Who are the Dubs aiming to stun Cork in historic All-Ireland last-four showdown?
GENE POOL: Cian O'Sullivan of Dublin, who is one of several Blues players with Cork connections, shoots to score his side's second goal against Limerick. Pic: John Sheridan/Sportsfile
The only one of the hurling’s last four not to organise a pre-media event this week, some of the opportunity to promote Dublin’s first All-Ireland SHC semi-final appearance in 12 years, only their second in 64 years, was lost.
Not to fear, here’s a potted profile of the side fresh from surprising Limerick that is expected to take the field against Cork on Saturday:
Brennan manned the goal-line for Cuala’s 2017 and ’18 All-Ireland successes and has started Dublin’s last three SHC games, having been first choice in 2023 and ’24. Also played in goals for his soccer club St Joseph’s in Sallynoggin.
There had been some rumours Bellew might do some travelling this year but isn’t he and Dublin happy he stuck around. A late developer as he only made his debut in 2022, the Lucan man has been a tidy addition to the Dublin full-back line ever since.
Widely considered as Dublin’s most consistent defender, last year’s captain Smyth has stepped up to anchoring the inside line since Eoghan O’Donnell’s switch to the football squad. Has just missed out on making the All-Star nominees in recent years.
A four-time All-Ireland SFC winning football poacher turned hurling gamekeeper, McHugh accepted the invite from his club-mate Niall Ó Ceallacháin on the back of an excellent campaign with Na Fianna. A man-marking specialist. Ask Cian Lynch.
A pioneer for his club who wouldn’t be noted for their hurling pedigree but are certainly gaining traction with Seán Gallagher and Joe Flanagan also making waves. He’d regard himself as a corner-back but has a penchant to go forward.
The two-match suspension arising from the Galway game was a hefty one but Donohoe returns having had an otherwise impressive provincial run. Donohoe didn’t play under-age for the county and traded carpentry for teaching to suit hurling.
Dunphy captained the U20s to a 2020 Leinster title which took place in ‘21, the county’s last at that level. Like Doyle, something of a converted half-back as he had excelled in the full-back in the under-age grades. Another powerful player.
Burke had only shown patches of his effervescent self this year up to his man of the match display against Limerick. Captain Chris Crummey had 10 points to his name up to his red card. Burke’s long-range shooting will never be more valuable.
Younger brother of Ronan, Hayes is lightning quick and has the engine and long-range shooting that could rival Darragh Fitzgibbon. It’s difficult to believe that last year was his first senior season and that he didn’t feature at minor or U20 level.
After some time away travelling in Australia, McBride returned home last September and was no sooner lining out for his club in a county semi-final where he caught the eye again. He has retained his place since the defeat to Galway.
This is Whitely’s ninth senior season and he appears to have made the most of the gap between the disappointing end to the provincial campaign and All-Ireland series to earn a starting berth. An accomplished Uileann piper too.
His scoring exploits as displayed make him a genuine contender for an All Star – Dublin haven’t won an individual accolade since 2013. O’Sullivan is the son of Garnish man Traolach, just one of a number of Cork associations with this Dublin group.
One of seven All-Ireland senior club winners in the match-day panel, Currie has like McHugh carried his impressive Na Fianna form into the inter-county scene. His older brother Colin, a club All Star winner is on the bench. Both also have cricket acumen.
An exciting forward who has more than his fair share of hamstring issues, Hayes is enjoying an extended run of outings. Has always had an eye for goal and has raised the most green flags from play along with Currie, O’Sullivan and John Hetherton.
Grandson of beloved RTÉ broadcaster Donncha who passed away in 2021, this is another obvious Cork link. A gifted stickman, the young Rathcoole hurler attended Coláiste Eoin where many Cuala and Kilmacud Crokes’s stars have studied.
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