Dublin hurler Danny Sutcliffe says ex-manager Anthony Daly has embarked upon the "perfect" role for him as head of the Limerick hurling academy and coach of the Munster county's minor team.
Daly stepped down from the Dublin post after six years in charge last September, a year after guiding the county to a first Leinster title in 52 years.
“Hurling-wise, he could take any level whether it’s his own Under 15 team in Clarecastle or a senior team,” said 2013 All Star winner Sutcliffe. “That age group, particularly at minor, there are different attractions pulling them different ways so his effect on their lifestyle would be massive.
“You could see it with the young lads coming onto our team, the effect he had on them. I think he would be perfect anyway, to get a load of 16, 17, 18 year olds and mould them. It’s ideal really, the perfect thing for him to get back involved.
“As he said in the book, it’s like a drug for him. So he was only going to stay away from it for a small while. He’s back involved so I’d say he’s delighted. And it’s not a three hour trip so he’s able to do it more easily.”
Not an easy read
With regards to Daly’s autobiography, amongst the nominees for the 2014 Irish Sports Book of the Year award, any contained criticism upon the current Dublin squad is justified says Sutcliffe.
“Everybody saw how bad we were last season so we didn’t need a book to clarify that. I’ve spoken to one or two of my mates in the club who have read it and they enjoyed it.
“It’s like being back in the room with him chatting to us. I didn’t know what way it was going to go. Maybe it would have been better had the year been a bit better, a bit of an easier read. But I thought it was good.”
Not holding back in his cogitation of Dublin’s 2014 performances, but Sutcliffe is certainly not having any of the ‘manufactured hurlers’ tag now associated with the squad.
“How can you say that about the likes of Conal Keaney. He is one of the best hurlers in the country. We’ve played all around the country now and everywhere we’ve gone, even other team selectors said when he was younger. He is one of the best around.
“I don’t think we’re manufactured. But it’s up to ourselves to prove that.”
