Dublin boss: Too much read into Munster crowds and big game buzz

Dublin hurling manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin. Pic: ©INPHO/Bryan Keane

Niall Ó Ceallacháin reckons the Leinster SHC is in a strong state and has suggested that people may be reading too much into the big games in Munster.

In just his second season managing Dublin, Ó Ceallacháin has guided his county to the Leinster final after masterminding huge provincial wins over Galway and Kilkenny.

On the back of last year's march to the Championship's last four, with a statement win over Limerick, and promotion to Division 1A of the League earlier this season, it's significant progress.

The one giant blot on Dublin's copybook under Ó Ceallacháin is the seven-goal drubbing they suffered against Cork in last year's All-Ireland semi-final.

Asked after beating Kilkenny, to qualify for a June 6 Leinster final against Galway, what it all meant in terms of the Leinster v Munster narrative, Ó Ceallacháin gave a stout defence of his province.

"There's a lot said about Munster hurling, and a lot of it with merit," he said. "I think, though, if you look at what's actually happening day-to-day and week-to-week...the likes of Kilkenny, they have won six Leinster titles, there's no Munster team that has taken them for granted over the last six, seven, eight years.

"You saw last year, the two semi-finals, two Munster teams and two Leinster teams. The Munster championship is a brilliant competition but I also think maybe a bit too much is read into that too with regards to the days and the crowds and all that kind of thing.

"Ourselves, the likes of Kilkenny, the likes of Galway, Wexford, Offaly, we all stand on our own two feet. Also, if it's not us involved in the middle of July, I certainly hope it's Galway or Offaly who are driving it forward."