SCHUTTE OUT IS BAD NEWS FOR DUBLIN

DUBLIN defender Eoghan o’donnell has confirmed the disastrous news that the schutte brothers aren’t part of their hurling Championship plans. Powerful attacker Mark schutte was expected to return to the Dublin front line following Cuala’s AIB All-ireland club title success on st Patrick’s Day. his brother, Paul, was also involved that day and was earmarked for a return to the county set up. Both declined the opportunity though and were notable absentees for Dublin’s Allianz League relegation play-off defeat to Clare. The withdrawal of the talented pair is the latest blow to boss Ger Cunningham who is already without key performers like Danny sutcliffe, Joey Boland and Peter Kelly for various reasons. The only positive that full-back o’donnell could offer was that Mark schutte (above) could yet be back if he fancies it when his exams are completed. o’donnell (below) said: “Paul has been injured on and off for the last three or four years – collarbone, a bad thumb injury that kept him out for a long time. With all of that he feels that he needs to go and get his body right which I think is fair enough. “There’s no point committing to it if you’re sitting on the sideline. so Paul needs to get himself right and hopefully we’ll see him back playing for Dublin in the future. As of now, Paul has stepped away from the panel. “As for Mark, he has obviously been a huge player for us over the past few years but with Cuala going so well, and his final exams coming up, he hasn’t had a second to study. Mark’s taking a step away for a couple of weeks and hopefully we’ll see him back after that. “A decision will have to be made between Ger Cunningham and Mark then to see what the best thing is. No final decision on Mark has been made as far as I’m aware. Final exams are so important. “You have a life obviously outside of hurling and he wants to get good results. You can’t blame him for that either. There’s no point going to training and worrying about study and then falling between two stools. so he’s decided to commit to study for the next couple of weeks anyway.” Eoghan O’donnell was speaking at the partnership renewal between leading sports compression wear brand SKINS and Dublin GAA.