Kilkenny urged to snub Dublin footballers January 03, 2014





Former Dublin hurling manager Michael O'Grady. INPHO Former Dublin hurling manager Michael O'Grady. INPHO

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Michael O'Grady has urged Ciaran Kilkenny to declare for the Dublin hurlers this year.Metropolitan hurling boss Anthony Daly revealed this week that he had contacted the Castleknock clubman about a possible dual role in 2014 but football manager Jim Gavin has stated that he doesn't believe it is possible for intercounty players to perform both codes at the highest level.Former Dublin hurling supremo O'Grady believes the 2013 Sam Maguire Cup winner should now call Gavin's bluff by declaring his allegiance to the small ball code:"Jim Gavin is not interested in players who want to play both codes at elite level," O'Grady is quoted in The Evening Herald. "Now that the football manager has outlined his attitude to dual players, it is up to the players to make the call."While it is a very tough call for Ciaran to make, there are many reasons why he should do it. He can always go back to football at a later stage. Dublin hurling is on the crest of a wave and Dublin are serious contenders for the U21 and senior titles in 2014. It is now necessary that they win an All-Ireland in the next few years. Ciaran could ensure that this would happen."He is a great footballer but he is an even greater hurler. He was a household name among hurling people after his performances with his club Castleknock when they won the All-Ireland Féile in 2007. If Dublin do win the Liam MacCarthy and Ciaran is on board he will be famous as the only Dub to win All-Irelands in both codes."