U21 hurlers primed for quarter-final against Westmeath

Dublin will be hoping to maintain their winning streak when they face Westmeath in Wednesday night’s EirGrid Leinster U21HC quarter-final at Cusack Park, Mullingar (7.30).

The Dubs have beaten both Carlow and Laois to date in the competition but face a step up in class against Westmeath, a side who have plenty of senior experience among their ranks.

“Without wishing to be disrespectful to either Laois or Carlow, Westmeath are certainly a massive step up for from our previous two games,” says Dublin manager Paul O’Brien.

“They have a strong team and their senior side are going really well in the Joe McDonagh Cup with two of their under-21s spearheading their forward line.

“A decent chunk of their team would play with Dublin college teams too so we would be familiar enough with them and would be fully aware of the qualities that they have.

“They will certainly have their homework done on us but we would be in a similar position in terms of our familiarity with them.

“A lot of fellas put their hand up over the two games and we have used 24 players in total,” adds Paul.

“There is an intense environment and savage competition within the panel and that makes it very enjoyable.

“We have more options for tomorrow than previously with everyone fighting fit and our panel is only getting stronger.”