Ex-Dubs boss Kelleher wants 'different way of thinking' to gavanise hurling in capital

Former Dublin hurling manager Humphrey Kelleher has called for fresh thinking in the preparation of the county's underage and schools’ structures.

'Friends of Dublin Hurling’ secretary Kelleher says that there is huge hurling coaching work ongoing in the capital and stresses that the passion and desire from those helping is obvious.

But he feels that the development work at underage clubs and schools needs to be smarter.

"We are ranked the seventh or eighth hurling county in the country and that hasn’t changed for the last number of years, sadly," he says.

"We probably got up to four or five in the Dalo [Anthony Daly] years, but we have reverted back to seven or eight and I don’t see it changing now.

"2023 was not the best of years but I did see the seeds of change in that our skill levels and first touch improved. Still, on the big day, such as the game against Clare, we were off it."

It’s below senior level where Kelleher feels most focus is needed, however.

"I am calling for a review for a long time, I have requested a review of coaching within the coaches themselves.

"Across all underage, schools, colleges and club levels, are we getting the best coaches? Are we getting the best out of the coaches? Are we getting the kids enough of the best coaching within schools?

"With the numbers we have we should have representation in a Leinster schools final every couple of years not once every 10 years.

"It’s nothing near good enough for the population we have."

Kelleher welcomed the appointment of All-Ireland-winning manager Micheal Donoghue who oversaw his first season in charge of the seniors this year.

But he is adamant that a sea change of thought is needed in the approach to children aged nine, 10 and heading towards secondary