DUBLIN plot to push on

Niall Scully

DUBLIN'S flagship side are about to set sail. It's a long way from Clare to here.

Dublin will board the bus on February 24. Opening day of the National League.

Denis Murphy and company have been busy fine-tuning the piano. The Dubs will travel with plenty of petrol, and confidence, in the tank.

The year 2012 was a Blue-letter one. There was plenty to be proud of in the league and championship.

The boss-man had one simple wish as the boat left harbour. He wanted Dublin to be competitive.

And for the most part, Denis got his wish. The sun came out again on the ancient craft.

The performances were better, the morale lifted and several players grew into the boots.

Among them was Grainne Quinn. In the championship quarter-final against Offaly in Parnell Park, she was awesome.

She was marking Elaine Dermody, a genuine silversmith. Elaine got the Player-of-the-Match. The Dublin Tribunal sat late into the night.

Mairi Moynihan also rose in stature. She looked at home in good company. A big player for the big occasion.

Young Ali Twomey looks destined to be among the best forwards in the sport. And then there's the pride of Na Fianna, Arlene Cushen.

Brilliance

Arlene's magnificent point against Kilkenny in O'Moore Park sent Dublin to the All-Ireland Championship quarter-final.

The brilliance of the effort, and the result that day, cheered the city.

Dublin's aim now is to take a couple more, golden steps.

After Clare, they have Wexford and Galway at home. They'll be two of the tallest ships to visit Dublin Port this year.

As Denis Murphy says, those games will tell a lot. But if last season is anything to go by, Dublin's sea-area forecast for 2013 remains bright.