Dublin hurler Liam Rushe is hoping the bitter memories of his team’s exits from the Championship in the last two summers can inspire Anthony Daly’s men as they prepare for this Sunday’s Leinster SHC quarter-final against Offaly in Croke Park (2.0).
“Last year (loss to Antrim) was a disaster really, the same as the year before against Limerick. We’ve really let ourselves down in the championship and we need to produce a good run this year,” says the Pat’s of Palmerstown man.
“Personally I thought that was a massive opportunity to get over Limerick (2009) and get to an All-Ireland semi-final. Really, to be honest, we’ve been kind of underperforming in the championship. I think maybe this year we’ve got the focus right.”
“We have learned from the experiences of the past two years and we are maturing. We probably had the calibre of players to do what we’re doing now, over the last two years – but we weren’t right, we weren’t focussed, we weren’t 100 per cent, we hadn’t worked on every aspect of the game.
“This year I think everything’s just coming together. We are gaining confidence from that, but it’s more of a determination than a confidence – a determination to put the past behind us.”
Dublin will pick their team after training on Friday night. Sunday’s game is preceded by the meeting of Crumlin and Shamrocks (Offaly) in the Leinster Club SHL Division 2 final (12.15).
Article Source: Hill16.ie
