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Thursday February 18 2010
Date: Sunday, 28 March, at 2.30pm
Venue: Parnell Park
Manager: Anthony Daly Key Player: Alan McCrabbe
Rising Star: Shane Ryan (may be a bit long in the tooth but will provide a big boost to Daly's squad)
Last Championship Meeting: 2008 SHC Qualifier Round 3, Cork 1-17 Dublin 0-15 (Páirc Uí Chaoimh)
Last NHL Meeting: 2009 NHL Division 1, Cork 1-14 Dublin 414 (Páirc Uí Chaoimh) 2009 NHL Form: Fourth in Division 1: Won three, Lost three, Drew one
Analysis: Welcoming Cork, Tipperary, and Kilkenny in Parnell Park is a big boost. If they can upset two of these three then they could well be a suprise package in the final. It is worth keeping an eye on Shane Ryan, who did quite well, operating at centre forward in the Walsh Cup. Daly will be disappointed however to have lost Conal Keaney, who has decided to focus on his football career.
Indeed the Dubs had a very successful Walsh Cup where they lost to Galway in the final. So Anthony Daly will be thrilled to be going into a league campaign on the back of this form. In Alan McCrabbe they have a hurler of the finest pedigree, and as ever he will be central to the Dubs challenge.
Expect Anthony Daly's charges to continue their Second year syndrome: Can Daly improve on an excellent first year at the
helm of the Dubs impressive progression, but are likely to come up short in their quest for a top two spot, as they still don't have the vast experience, enjoyed by their league rivals.
Verdict: A midtable run seems likely as Daly looks to consolodate the Metropolitian's position amongst the elite.
