Dessie Farrell: Players very keen ahead of U21 Championship

Dublin's under-21 footballers take their first steps in this year's Championship on Wednesday night when they face Laois in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise in their EirGrid Leinster U21FC quarter-final (7.30).

Manager Dessie Farrell knows favouritism counts for nothing as Dublin begin the defence of their Leinster and All-Ireland crowns.

Laois have the benefit of a Championship game under their belts already having beaten Wexford 4-12 to 1-11 in their first round clash last Wednesday night in Enniscorthy when three second half goals from Tom Shiels, Evin Keane and Evan O'Carroll steered them to their ten-point victory.

“They have a game under their belt which is a significant help to them and I was very impressed with how they played against Wexford last Wednesday night," says Dubs manager Dessie Farrell.

“They have a potent attack that includes some excellent individual forwards and although they struggled in the early stages, they were able to take the opportunities when they came and finished the game strongly.

“They will also be playing at home which is of course something that you’d prefer to be doing but thankfully, Portlaoise is a ground that we are familiar with, having played a lot there last year so we’re looking forward to going there and getting our championship started.

“The players are very keen to let the competition commence and we are looking forward to stepping into battle once again,” adds Dessie. 

Meanwhile, Dublin's minor footballers will host Meath on Saturday week in their Leinster MFL semi-final while Carlow take on Kildare in the other semi-final.

This Saturday Dublin's minor hurlers face Wexford in their opening game of the Leinster MHL in UCD (Church pitch, near Sports Centre) (3.0).