Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
CIARAN AND DUBS GO IN FOR THE KIL
CORK captain Ian Maguire has called on his team-mates to forge their own identity as the 2010 side continues to fade away.
From the starting line-up that beat Down in the All-ireland final eight years ago, only one – Aidan Walsh – will start this evening’s Munster semi-final against Tipperary.
Walsh (inset) partners Maguire at midfield, with the St Finbarr’s man, having just turned 24, an unusually young choice for the captaincy.
“When I first got involved, there was kind of the generation of players, Fintan Goold, Michael Shields... I think they used to christen themselves ‘The 86’,” says Maguire. “But there has been a lot of turnover. I suppose I have four years experience now.
“But, look, that’s just the way it is now with inter county. I suppose the big thing was with Paul Kerrigan, he was away with Nemo all year. That’s just the way FOR the first time since 2006, there will be no live TV cameras on Dublin as they start their Championship campaign against Wicklow in O’moore Park tomorrow.
Not since the win away to Longford 12 years ago has a Championship match featuring the Dubs not been televised.
Broadcasters have focused their attention elsewhere this summer, with the expanded Championship format throwing up more appealing fixtures later in the year. Dublin’s prospective opponents won’t learn too much tomorrow, but Jim Gavin’s decision to play Ciaran Kilkenny (above) in a more advanced role during the League was interesting.
“It’s a good experience to be closer to the goal and as a player to add another layer to my game that I can play closer to the goal and be an option for the team,” said Kilkenny.
“In previous years I would have played halfback, midfield, halfforward so it’s good to get that exposure of playing closer to the goal.
“Look, I’m really enjoying my football at the moment and I’m really looking forward to the Championship.”