Dublin senior hurling team named for Leinster final clash with Galway
Niall Ó Ceallacháin has made three changes to Dublin’s starting XV for Saturday’s Leinster senior hurling final against Galway.
Liam Rushe and Eoghan O’Donnell have both been drafted into the Dublin defence. Both players missed the boys in blue round five win over Kilkenny in the Leinster SHC.
Darragh Power also comes into the Dublin attack, while Conor McHugh, John Bellew and David Purcell also drop out of the starting XV.
Niall Ó Ceallacháin side’s reamin unbeaten throughout the Leinster SHC recording wins over Kildare, Wexford, Galway and Kilkenny and playing out a draw with Offaly in round one.
The sides met during the round robin series where Dublin edged past Galway 3-16 to 0-21. The Dubs are aiming to win their first Leinster title for the first time since 2013.
Galway hurling manager Micheál Donoghue, together with selectors Franny Forde and Noel Larkin, previously worked with Dublin, and their knowledge of the Leinster side could prove significant this weekend.
“I suppose it probably goes both ways. They would have a fair idea of what we look for. They've progressed so much over the last couple of years. Niall (Ó Ceallacháin’s) imprint in the last two seasons is obvious as well. He's brought in a good few young players that have really hit the ground running,” said Micheal Donoghue.
“We know they're a serious squad and a serious team. They're a huge opposition for us at the weekend. Their trajectory over the last few years has gone one way. I know from being involved how important they view the Leinster Championship and their absolute huge desire to win one. We have to make sure that we match that desire. We have to have the same hunger for them because they're really fighting for it.”
Dublin: Eddie Gibbons; Paddy Doyle, Paddy Smyth, Eoghan O'Donnell; Chris Crummey, Liam Rushe, Conor Burke; Brian Hayes, Conor Donohoe; Fergal Whitely, Donal Burke, Darragh Power, Cian O’Sullivan, John Hetherton, Conal Ó Riain.