DUBLIN’S BID FOR a fourth successive Leinster U21 EirGrid football championship title has received a huge boost as star forward Con O’Callaghan will now be available for their semi-final clash against Longford.
O’Callaghan is due to line out for Cuala in the All-Ireland club hurling final against Clare champions Ballyea on St Patrick’s Day, just two days after the date the U21 Leinster semi-finals were initially scheduled for, essentially ruling him out of the last-four tie for the Dublin U21s.
However, Leinster GAA have confirmed to The42 that due to a fixture delay on the other side of the provincial draw, and a request from Dublin, Dessie Farrell’s side will face Longford on Wednesday, 22 March, not seven days previously.
Louth’s first-round clash with Wicklow was only played at Abbotstown last night after the initial fixture in Baltinglass was called off due to an unplayable pitch last week.
The Wee County triumphed when the sides eventually went toe to toe, pushing their quarter-final tie against Laois back a week to next Wednesday, and both semi-finals back to 22 March.
The winners between Louth and Laois will face Offaly in the semi-finals after they overcame Wexford 1-6 to 0-6 in difficult conditions last night. Longford were surprise 2-6 to 0-10 winners against Kildare at Hawkfield.
O’Callaghan, a Dublin senior football panellist, starred for the U21s last year as they won provincial honours, only to be knocked out of the All-Ireland series at the semi-final stage by eventual champions Mayo.
He lined out at centre-forward for Dublin last night, scoring five points, four from frees, in a 2-14 to 0-6 win for Farrell’s side.
The talented dual player has also been instrumental in the Cuala hurlers’ march to Leinster glory and the All-Ireland final, scoring 7-13 from play in four games — their three provincial matches and the All-Ireland semi-final against Slaughtneil.
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Incredible player.
Even better human being, and that says a lot!
Given the life he leads off the pitch, in tandem with his performances on the pitch, it’s easy to see why many men would have a mancrush on him. I mean I’m clearly not saying *me* or anything like that, just saying you could see why someone would.
Beast!
Good for him, not just GAA players who need a break it seems.
Big difference in someone playing a sport as a hobby than there is pro Sean
Two knee reconstructions in two years, the sensible option is to take a year out or he might not be around in two or three years, no point in flogging players.
Obviously very different, nothing wrong with it in either case, more to life then sport whatever level you play at.