DUBLIN BOSS DESSIE Farrell has hailed the commitment of Colm Basquel and Shane Clayton after the duo helped Dublin win Saturday’s EirGrid Leinster U21 semi-final against Laois, just 48 hours after helping Ballyboden St-Enda’s become All-Ireland senior club football champions.
Clayton lined out at corner-back in last Thursday’s win over Castlebar Mitchels in Croke Park while attacker Colm Basquel fired 1-1.
The pair parked the celebrations to be named on the bench on Saturday and both came on in the second-half in Parnell Park. Baquel was instrumental in Dublin’s eventual triumph as he chipped in with 1-3.
“It was always part of the plan,” confirmed Farrell.
“They had been involved and participating. They weren’t togged out or active in the previous game or training session but they’ve been around the squad.
“It was always hoped that they’d be available to us, avoid injury on Paddy’s Day and be available to make some sort of contribution today because we knew we’d need them. It proved to be the case.
“It was great to have the two lads available to us today, a huge day for them and their club Ballyboden on Thursday.
“I think it’s just indicative of the two lads how they showed up and the condition they showed up in today to help their team mates on this particular squad so we were delighted with that.
“You have to take your hats off to them, it was an amazing thing to do.”
Dublin now advance to play Kildare on the final on 30 March and the Ballyboden duo are set to press strongly for inclusion from the start.
“It proves to be a significant challenge for the management now the next day in terms of team selection.” admits Farrell.
“That’s what you want. They’re a lot of young players in that dressing room and having Collie and Shane come back in is really important because they learn so much from them.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
