On Saturday a fortuitous Fergal Whitely goal gave Dublin the breathing space they needed to see off a supreme Carlow effort in Round 2 of the Leinster Senior Hurling Championship.
Here are some of the big talking points.
CARLOW’S DILIGENT DEFENDING: For the second week in a row Carlow’s diligent defending kept opposition goal chances to a minimum.
Clever positioning and cover preventing the opposition from clear cut opportunities. All six were well organised with Paul Doyle, Dion Wall and Niall Bolger in the inside line very disciplined in their tackling, team captain Kevin Mac reading the game superbly and covering to great effect while Jack Kavanagh and Tony Lawlor also did well with a few of Lawlor’s clearances leading to scores.
CHANGING OF THE GUARD: A few eyebrows were raised when it was learned the experienced Brian Tracey was being replaced between the Carlow sticks by his Naomh Eoin club colleague Ciaran Abbey.
Ciaran had played against Laois in Portlaoise and did well but was still considered the No 2 until Saturday when given the call, one suggestion being that it might have been felt the former understudy provided a better variety of puck-outs.
As to the shot-stopping the No 16 was unlucky with the ball that beat him and that it was allowed; a similar delivery in Salthill eluded Brian but was ruled out due to a square ball infringement.
THE THREE D’S …
DANNY SUTCLIFFE; One of Dublin’s hugest profile hurlers, he picked off three delightful points and was busy all through, his first half brace stemming Carlow’s early tide for a while.
DAIRE GRAY: I remember attending a Dublin v Galway Walsh Cup game in Parnell Park a good few years ago and staying on to take in a Dublin Senior Colleges match between South Dublin and North Dublin.
An all-action, eager beaver wing back caught the eye, one for the future. That youth was Daire Gray and in Dr Cullen Park on Saturday, now a mature adult, he displayed the same attributes as his teenage days and crowned a fine individual performance with three prickles points, one a spectacular score from distance.
DONAL BURKE: Has taken over this 2024 campaign as Dublin’s highest SHC scorer of all-time, relieving Paul Ryan of top spot, his 0-10 here crucial to the cause, one of those from play while the frees were converted with aplomb when you consider he was badly wide with an early place ball.
MOUSE: Continued the rich vein of form on show in Salthill with another outstanding display, 0-13 his personal tally, 0-2 from play.
CHRIS: Chris Nolan’s scoring exploits with county and college early in the year was so hot that we nearly expect him to shoot the lights out every day. Battling illness these last few weeks the swashbuckle is not swashing and buckling to the extent he or we would like.
THE BENCHES: Dublin brought on three subs who contributed 1-3 and Carlow’s subs didn’t score while also on the ‘bench’ but unable to be introduced were James Doyle and Conor Lawlor, two men who if fully fit would have a big role to play
KILKENNY: The Aristocrats are next up, Saturday May 11, Dr Cullen Park. The black and amber welcome visitors of course but let’s hope Carlow can give them a right rattle.
Read the match report HERE
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