O'Grady urges Kilkenny to choose hurling
Ciaran Kilkenny, Dublin. GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final, Dublin v Mayo, Croke Park, Dublin. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile.
FORMER Dublin hurling manager Michael O'Grady believes that Dublin dual star Ciarán Kilkenny should opt for the small ball game, if he is forced to make a choice.
At Tuesday night's Dublin Bus/ Herald Dubs Stars matches, Dublin football boss Jim Gavin repeated his belief that players cannot compete in both codes at elite level.
"Jim Gavin is not interested in players who want to play both codes at 'elite' level," said O'Grady.
"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 Ciarán 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 Under-21 and senior titles in 2014. It is now necessary that they win an All-Ireland in the next few years. Ciarán 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 Ciarán is on board he will be famous as the only Dub to win All-Irelands in both codes."
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