Minor hurlers ready for opening test against Kilkenny

Dublin commence their Leinster MHC (U17) campaign this Saturday when they travel to Nowlan Park to face Kilkenny (4.0).

It's a repeat of last year's thrilling  provincial decider that Dublin won 6-19 to 7-12 in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise.

The young Dubs, who are managed by Mike Connolly (pictured), who also took charge last year, are grouped in Tier 1 with Offaly and Wexford as well as Kilkenny.

The Tier 1 teams progress to last-eight at least with the top two heading straight into the semi-finals and the bottom two the quarter-finals.

"It's a very important game for us on Saturday as fellas need to get out their and perform," said the Dublin manager.

"You can not overestimate the importance of these type of matches as it gives the lads a taste of what championship is all about and is far more valuable than any number of training sessions.

"Playing Kilkenny on their home turf will be a great experience for all of the lads involved, whether they were on the panel last year or not.

"We are going down to play in a proper stadium on a top hurling pitch against a very good team and it is this type of challenge that keeps everyone going over the months of training," added Mike.

Dublin will be captained by Thomas Davis' Adam Waddick.

2019 Electric Ireland Leinster Minor Hurling Championship (U17)

Knock Out
Round 1
A. 1st in Tier 3 v 4th in Tier 2
B. 2nd in Tier 3 v 3rd in Tier 2
c. 3rd in Tier 3 v 2nd in Tier 2
1st in Tier 2 (bye)

Round 2 (2 games)
Winners of A, B, C and 1st in Tier 2

Quarter-Finals
Seeded Draw
Bowl 1 – 2 Teams from Tier 1
Bowl 2 – 2 Winners from Round 2

Semi-Finals
Seeded
 1st in Tier 1 v Lowest place qualifier
2nd in Tier 1 v 2nd lowest placed qualifer