WHAT builds unity in a hurling squad? In some cases the arrival of a new manager who gives everybody a chance.
In many cases, however, there is another reason why group solidarity has been achieved. It is a collective reaction to what the group perceive as unfair criticism or a lack of respect from within their own clubs.
London have some talented hurlers in the current panel. From goalkeeper James Barrett to corner forward Michael Ivors most of Saturday’s starting XV will have played for their county at some level.
Making his first appearance for London will be Offaly’s Dan Morkan, who is a stylish hurler with great defensive qualities. Morkan is a beautiful striker of the sliotar and is certainly a player to watch at Ruislip.
This Saturday Conor Hickey, Luke Gaule, Martin Ryan, Martin Duggan, and Bernard Gaffney will be the real leaders.
I do have concerns about London’s midfield just on the basis they don’t have any big unit in there. There is a fitness doubt about Henry Vaughan so Enda Cooney will probably partner Neil Rodgers there and London will need significant displays from them.
Team manager Fergus McMahon will have London tuned in for this clash with Kildare, who have been promoted to Division 2A of the Allianz Hurling League. Kildare aren’t a bad team, but over the years London have a good record against the Lilywhites.
Back in 1990 I was on the management team with Tommy Donoghue and Eugene Hickey when we beat Kildare in the All Ireland Senior B Final. Former Galway star Michael Connolly (Craughwell) was the hero that day scoring 12 points.
Eoin Kelly is the most talented forward in London presently. Free takers are so important now. Take last Sunday week’s Allianz Hurling League semi-finals for example. Cork’s Pat Horgan hit 17 points, Waterford’s Pauric Mahony shot 13. Eoin Kelly should be playing for London.
I would also play Bernard Gaffney as a wing forward not in the centre, and I would play Martin Duggan on the other flank as a target for James Barrett’s puckouts. Martin Duggan is a great ball winner, while inside former Galway minor Kevin Coen has a good touch and struck 1-3 in a recent challenge with Meath. Full forward is the only place for Kevin Coen.
My London starting XV: James Barrett; Conor Hickey, Luke Gaule, Kieran Fitzpatrick; Tadhg Healy, Martin Ryan, Dan Morkan; Neil Rodgers, Enda Cooney; Bernard Gaffney, Mark Dwyer, Martin Duggan; Michael Ivors, Kevin Coen, Philip Murphy.
