If the Dublin minor hurling team is anything to go by, then the capital is in rude health when it comes to producing young talent. An attacking triumvirate of Dara Purcell, Luke Swan and Liam Dunne has spear-headed the Dubs to a fourth Electric Ireland Leinster MHC final in five years.
The movement of the county's finest hurlers to the bigger ball will continue unabated, no doubt about that, but the minor hurling scene has gone about their business quietly, churning out prodigious athletes capable of competing with the best in the country.
Coming out on top of an entertaining clash with Wexford, the Boys in Blue will now take on Kilkenny in the final, hoping to add to their 2016 triumph in the competition.
Minor Leinster Final Vs Dublin at 3pm in Portlaoise on Saturday 30th June. @kclr96fm @KKPeopleNews
— Kilkenny GAA (@KilkennyCLG) June 25, 2018
Conor Kelly put in another tremendous shift for the Cats, scoring twelve points to put a spirited Offaly away in the other semi-final. The Faithful County can be proud of their performance despite losing, however. They pushed a talented squad all the way and even lead at half-time. On another day they might have even sneaked into the final.
Alas, they will have to settle for a moral victory.
Here are the nominees for the Player of the Week:
Liam Dunne - Dublin
With their star full-forward on fire, it's hardly surprising that Dublin are into the Leinster MHC final.
Leinster MHC Semi-Final: Our Minor Hurlers are through to the Leinster Final! Hard luck to @OfficialWexGAA, great contest 👏
Final score -
Dublin: 1-22(25)
Wexford: 3-13(22)#UpTheDubs pic.twitter.com/oONsCfGJFs— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) June 23, 2018
Liam Dunne ended the day as the game's top scorer, raising the white flag a total of twelve times at innovate Wexford Park.
While eight of those were frees, with another two coming from 65's, such accuracy is vital to keep the score line ticking over and it certainly kept the Dubs at arm's length from a competitive Wexford side.
Dunne received a second yellow card before the end of the game, but by then he had done the damage. he will be a crucial cog in the Dublin machine if they are to overcome Kilkenny.
Dara Purcell - Dublin
Speaking of crucial team members, Dara Purcell put in a great performance to help lift Dublin past stubborn opposition.
Only two players on the field got a better haul than Purcell's four from play, and both of those were free takers.
A huge congratulations to our Minor Hurlers who are through to the Leinster Final. 👏
Dublin: 1-22(25) Wexford: 3-13(22)#UpTheDubs #COYBIB pic.twitter.com/4hOuUGuXNU— Dublin GAA Fans (@DubsGAAFans) June 23, 2018
While Dunne scored three times as many points, Purcell's all round play was commendable, harrying the Slaneysiders' defence all evening.
With Purcell and Dunne playing either side of goal scorer Luke Swan, Dublin were always on to a winner. That trio will have to be on fire again when they meet the Cats in the Leinster final.
Ciarán Brennan - Kilkenny
A superb showing could have been even better; the referee and umpires disallowed the Kilkenny player's goal on the seven minute mark, leaving Offaly off the hook.
Still, Ciaran Brennan will be satisfied with his five points knowing that his side will be competing in yet another final.
Congrats to @KilkennyCLG Minors who qualified for @gaaleinster Final. Great to have the Seniors and Minors in the Leinster Final again #cillchainnighabu #upthecats
— Kilkenny Camogie (@KilkennyCamogie) June 23, 2018
With Offaly leading at the interval, Brennan scored an early point in the second-half to get Kilkenny back on track and on their way to a good win.
Brennan managed to knock some fine scores from play over the bar in both halves, but the youngster will take more satisfaction in the team's ability to overcome adversity than in receiving individual plaudits.
Have your say and cast your vote for the player of the week nominees on Electric Ireland's Facebook page by clicking here. All nominated players will be in with a chance of making overall team/player of the year at the 2018 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Awards.
