JIM GAVIN HAS named his starting 15 for Dublin’s opening Allianz League Division 1 fixture, with seven of last year’s All-Ireland winning team named to start against Kildare in Croke Park on Saturday evening. [Throw-in, 7pm - eir sport 2]
Stephen Cluxton will make his 97th league appearance as Dublin goalkeeper, while Michael Fitzsimons, John Small and James McCarthy all come in to make up an experienced defensive unit.
Brian Fenton, Ciarán Kilkenny and Dean Rock are also drafted in from the side that captured a third consecutive All-Ireland title last September.
Michael Darragh Macauley comes in to partner up with Fenton in midfield, while seasoned attacker Bernard Brogan takes up his position in the inside forward line.
Brian Howard and Colm Basquel, who were both part of last year’s All-Ireland U21 winning side, are also selected to start.
Dublin:
1. Stephen Cluxton (Parnells)
2. David Byrne (Naomhh Olaf)
3. Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala)
4. Darren Daly (Fingal Ravens)
5. Eric Lowndes (St Peregrine’s)
6. James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams)
7. John Small (Ballymun Kickhams)
8. Brian Fenton (Raheny)
9. Michael Darragh Macauley (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
10. Brian Howard (Raheny)
11. Ciarán Kilkenny (Castleknock)
12. Niall Scully (Templeogue Synge St)
13. Colm Basquel (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
14. Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams)
15. Bernard Brogan (St Oliver Plunkett’s/Eoghan Ruadh)
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Good stuff! Good opportunity for McCarthy to kick on now and gain some form. With the Sheffield lads getting exposure and some youth coming through things could really come along now. Coybig
Great move for McCarthy. Guaranteed first team football with a solid team will hopefully help him regain his fitness and form and his place in the Irish team.
Hopefully Zaha goes the other way now. Everton could do surprisingly well this season
@Kerrydone: err, why would Zaha go to Everton….not much of a difference between 11 and 7…,
@Matisyahu Kelleher: You think that’s the reason players move?