'It is a really important few weeks’ - Dublin hurling’s latest rebuild

Two games into their Allianz Hurling League campaign, Dublin have used 25 players, giving debuts to the likes of David Lucey, Paddy Dunleavy, Iain O hEithir, Kevin Burke and Conal O Riain.

NEW MAN: Na Fianna's Niall Ó Ceallacháin succeeded Micheál Donoghue as Dublin hurling manager. Pic: Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile

It starts with the club. When Dublin announced the appointment of Na Fianna’s Niall Ó Ceallacháin last September, there was some surprise. It had been suggested they were going to look inwards, but that didn’t mean they were likely to look there.

Pat Gilroy distanced himself from any speculation, while former Westmeath manager Joe Fortune was heavily linked to the role. He is a Wexford native but had managed Dublin at minor and U21. Then Dublin U20 manager and senior selector Shane O’Brien was also linked to the position until county board chairperson Mick Seavers announced Ó Ceallacháin. In his statement, Seavers pointed to Ó Ceallacháin’s passion for Dublin hurling and his ‘detailed knowledge’ of the club scene.