DUBLIN HAVE NAMED a strong starting side for tomorrow’s Leinster SFC quarter-final in O’Moore Park tomorrow.
The All-Ireland champions will throw in against Wicklow with 11 players who started last year’s All-Ireland final victory over Mayo.
Raheny clubman Brian Howard will make his first start in the senior championship while Eric Lowndes, Michael Darragh Macauley and Niall Scully are the others three to make the first XV.
Con O’Callaghan will wear the No 15 jersey. He’s been absent for the Dubs since last September given Cuala’s recent success.
Jack McCaffrey is on the bench as he continues his road back to full competitive action after suffering a serious knee injury in last year’s championship decider.
DUBLIN XV (SFC v Wicklow)
1. Stephen Cluxton (Parnell’s)
2. Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala)
3. Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams)
4. Eric Lowndes (St Peregrine’s)
5. James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams)
6. Jonny Cooper (Na Fianna)
7. John Small (Ballymun Kickhams)
8. Michael Darragh Macauley (Ballyboden St Enda’s)
9. Brian Fenton (Raheny)
10. Niall Scully (Templeogue Synge Street)
11. Ciarán Kilkenny (Castleknock)
12. Brian Howard (Raheny)
13. Paul Mannion (Kilmacud Crokes)
14. Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams)
15. Con O’Callaghan (Cuala)
Very good read i cant wait for huge Gavin to play for them look’s like all irish side’s have plenty of dept and strength
Murray, you left Shayne Bolton out of your back 3 assessments, probably the most explosive back in the squad, behind Mack, of course!
@Mary Corrigan: Was that him running in tries against Glasgow? looks a tidy player.
@Thesaltyurchin: Yes, it was!
@Mary Corrigan: Hope he can stay healthy!!! Really want this lad to get some luck this season…Pace and Power bottled.
At some stage this season hoping that we have Santi @ FB, Mack and Bolton on the wings!!
That’s a tasty back 3!
I’ve a feeling Ioane is going to be a dud signing. The Chiefs fans I’ve come across online are delighted to be getting rid of him
@5sZl1dX2: Sometimes a player needs a change of scene to recapture his form
Some gems in the Connacht Squad, Gavin, Ioane, Cordero who should make their mark this season.I still feel Connacht is the IRFUs greatest uptapped opportunity for a number of reasons.
Firstly there are quality players at Leinster who wont get much game time, think Scott Penney, Harry Byrne or Rob Rusell. All would be in the mix for a Connacht European match day 23
Secondly the current Connacht squad is particularly week in the front five. Just investing in acquiring 3 international players at SR, LH and Hooker would substantially level up Connacht and make those European away games more winnable for them. Wish the IRFU would allocate a few million more to Connacht and help them move into ERC knock out contenders
@Owen ODonoghue: One thing connacht never lack for are speedy outside backs, so Russell might not get many more games than at Leinster. Penny would at best be 2nd choice at 7 to Moose, who was Connacht’s best player in a strong back row. You’re mostly right about the tight five, but our international locks (Dillane and Thornbury) moved on because Connacht couldn’t afford to hold onto them, especially with RO’G headhunting Dillane.