No Liam Rushe.
Tin-hat at the ready, we’ve decided to see what kind of mutant offspring would emerge from the loins of the Dublin and Galway hurling squads if a ‘best of” was to be picked from both.
Both sides clash in the weekend’s major hurling game, in Croke Park, on Sunday at 2pm. We have been forced to jettison some very well known hurling men to get what we think would be a team that Ger Cunningham or Anthony Cunningham would be proud of.
Goalkeeper
Gary Maguire
If this was two seasons ago then James Skehill would have got the nod. His departure, last year, from the Galway panel means that Colm Callanan is the current number one. He’s a fine shot-stopper but Maguire is an All-Star winner. Alan Nolan may be the man who’s got the jersey for much of the league, but we feel that Maguire is the best ‘keeper that Dublin have.
His communication with the Dublin defence, as well as his all round ability, means we’re selecting the Ballyboden man.
Right corner-back
David Collins
The Galway corner-back is one of the stickiest markers around. He just edges out Cian O’Callaghan by virtue of his experience. Callaghan probably has a little more pace but having marked some of the best forwards in the game over the last decade, it’s doubtful there would be too many scores landed off the former Young Hurler of the Year.
Full-back
Peter Kelly
The Dubliner was hugely impressive in the league and Ger Cunningham must be hoping that he can keep his form intact for the championship. Kelly’s positional awareness was to the fore as he stopped a number of goal-bound efforts in the league semi final loss to Cork. Galway have failed to settle on a full-back under Anthony Cunningham, and that uncertainty over the position with Ronan Burke the latest man to be tried there means Kelly holds the edge of the square.
Left-corner back
Paul Schutte
Galway could have had at least three players to fill this spot but there is no way to look past Schutte for the other position in the corner. His reading of the game is exceptional, and anytime he is missing Dublin have always struggled. Galway can feel unlucky that Paul Mannion or Johnny Coen didn’t make the cut for the role.
Right half-back
Gearoid McInerney
Like father like son as the Galway wing back slot is once again donned by a ‘Mac’ from out west. His ability to find the posts means he’s a useful attacking option as well as having an incredible engine. He benefits as well from our decision to have Tannian at centre back but it would be hard to pick Shane Durkin or Chris Crummey ahead of him.
Centre-back
Iarla Tannian
There is not too many better sights for Galway supporters than seeing this man tear up the pitch. His ability to also play in midfield means his versatility gets him the nod over David Collins. Liam Rushe’s switch to attacking duties also means there is a vacancy in this vital area.
Left-wing back
Conal Keaney
If Ger Cunningham hadn’t refashioned him as a forward we’d have to find a place for Liam Rushe.
However we, instead, have gone for a man who made his name as a forward and is now playing as a half-back under the Corkman. Keaney seems a more natural fit as a half-back than Rushe is as a forward and any team in the country would have to find a place for him. Good in the air and good on the ground,an exceptional hurler.
Centre field
Andy Smith
Despite being over 30, his work-rate and no little skill is crucial to everything Galway do right. Worth at least 0-2 every time he crosses the whitewash, we think his tracking back and leadership cannot be overlooked. Simon Lambert may be unfortunate to miss out here but Smith just edges him in terms of his link up play. He’s been a key man for Portumna for the last decade and rarely, if ever, has a bad game.
Centre-field
Johnny McCaffrey
The Lucan man’s brother might get more of the headlines with the footballers but Ger Cunningham is looking to build Dublin around this talented player at midfield. Also worth at least 0-2 per game, his pace would be be a valuable asset alongside Smith. Niall McMorrow is perhaps unlucky to miss out while Aiden Harte may feel that his relationship with Smith might see him get the nod as well as his more defensive sensibilities.
Right wing forward
Cathal Mannion
It may not be his natural position so we’re hoping for some leeway on this but he has to be included in the team. Now aged 20, and after a wonderful debut season, he adds a mix of guile and sheer ability to any forward line he’s included in. Paul Ryan is the man to miss out as he is now longer a certain starter with Dublin.
Centre forward
Ryan O’Dwyer
Dwyer may have failed to sparkle against Cork in the league semi final but the Tipperary native has the right amount of devil in him to be a major threat to any half back line. His aggression has seen him get the wrong side of referees before but we feel that his pure hurling ability, as well as the lift he can give to teammates, edges him into the starting XV. Galway’s Jonathan Glynn and Joseph Cooney miss out, as does Rushe.
Left-half forward
David O’Callaghan
‘Dotsy’ has proven himself time and time again. Only on the wing because of an exceptional full-forward line, the man who scored 1-3 in his last outing against Cork has to be included. We’re sure that Niall Burke understands why.
Right corner-forward
Mark Schutte
Much like his brother Paul, he has pace as well as a wonderful hurling brain. Dublin’s best player under Ger Cunningham this year, so far, the goal threat he brings to the forward line makes him massively dangerous. Just edges James Regan and Paul Ryan.
Full-forward
Joe Canning
There was no argument here. His best position is on the edge of the square. High or low he is a massive threat. Drags at least two defenders to him at all times with the array of attacking players around him double marking the Portumna man leaves a number of other players free. Could easily have filled any position from 10-15.
Left corner forward
Jason Flynn
It could have been David Tracey and it was a flip of a coin to decide who would take the last spot but, ultimately, we went for the man who carried the can for Galway before Canning’s return. Flynn scored a last minute winner against Clare and fronts up every single time. One for now and the future.
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