TIPPERARY’S 2001 ALL-Ireland winning captain Tommy Dunne has taken on a more influential position this year with the Dublin senior hurlers.
Dunne was involved sporadically in a management capacity last season but his role has grown in 2014 with Anthony Daly’s senior squad.
The Toomevara native brings a wealth of hurling experience. He was Hurler of the Year when Tipperary lifted the Liam MacCarthy Cup in 2001 and also won three Allstar awards during his playing career.
At management level, he has been involved with the Tipperary senior hurlers and Limerick side Na Piarsaigh who reached last February’s AIB All-Ireland senior club hurling final.
“Tommy’s very good, he’s an intense character,” revealed Dublin centre-back Liam Rushe. He just doesn’t accept sub-standard training or performance at all. That’s probably what you need.
“He was such a good sticksmith himself that he expects big things himself. If you aren’t, he’ll let you know all about it. It was maybe one in six or seven sessions last year, it’s one in three or four this year. He’s taking a bigger role.”
Dunne’s involvement is an example of how Dublin’s long-serving boss Anthony Daly has helped to keep their setup fresh.
“He does keep it fresh,” agrees Rushe. “Different voices come in and do different training sessions. He probably has us trying to take a bigger role. He’s talking less and encouraging us to do more. They direct it and we drive it.”
Rushe believes Dublin’s panel has been bolstered by new arrivals this year.
“Definitely we have a stronger panel this year. Colm Cronin and Cian O’Callaghan are ready to start, you know. We have lost nobody, touch wood, to serious injury yet, so compared to previous years we’re in great condition.”