Advertisement
Ryan O'Dwyer was back in action for Dublin last night. Ryan Byrne/INPHO

'He's been hounding the doctors' - Dublin boss Cunningham hails O'Dwyer comeback

Ryan O’Dwyer made his long-awaited comeback for the Sky Blues last night.

DUBLIN MANAGER GER Cunningham was pleased to see Ryan O’Dwyer back on the pitch last night.

The Kilmacud Crokes clubman suffered a vicious assault in England late last year but after returning to training last month, the Tipperary native returned to competitive fare as a substitute in last night’s victory over Wexford at Croke Park. 

O’Dwyer marked his comeback with a point and he was one of 11 Dublin scorers on a productive night at GAA HQ.

Cunningham revealed: “He’s been itching to get back in, he’s been hounding the doctors as to when he can get back in playing.

“He’s coming back after a serious injury and he has a huge passion for the game.

“It’s just great to have him back in the dressing room. We need his physicality and what he brings to the table.

Ger Cunningham and Liam Dunne Ger Cunningham takes the congratulations from Wexford boss Liam Dunne following last night's clash. Lorraine O’Sullivan / INPHO Lorraine O’Sullivan / INPHO / INPHO

“It’s been great – the same for Paul Schutte and Niall Corcoran as well, they’ve come back in after long-term injuries and we still have a few more out.

“That’s why you need the panel that you have and trying to find a few new fellas.”

Paul Schutte also got some game time under his belt last night after being introduced but Cunningham revealed that Peter Kelly and Cian Boland won’t make the Leinster SHC semi-final against Kilkenny on 11 June.

Cunningham confirmed: “Peter Kelly won’t be back, Cian Boland won’t be back. They’re still a few weeks away.”

Peter Kelly Peter Kelly will miss the Leinster SHC semi-final against Kilkenny through injury. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Cunningham has described the Kilkenny showdown as “the ultimate challenge” for his group.

And he insisted that vast improvement is needed to tackle the Leinster and All-Ireland champions.

“Yeah, that’s the ultimate challenge really.

“These guys have been champions for the guts of the last 10 or 12 years.

It’s a huge challenge for us, but any of the guys inside in the dressing-room will hopefully look forward to it and take on the challenge of what’s ahead.

“Some aspects (from) tonight won’t be good enough to go to Portlaoise and beat Kilkenny, so there’s stuff we’ll have to work on – but just delighted to be in a position to take them on.”

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

Grim night for Wexford as Dublin hurlers and Kildare footballers send out different messages

It’s a defining championship Sunday for Tipp and Cork in Semple Stadium cauldron

Close
3 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.