GAA News

Bad news for Wexford, and the rest of the country, as Dublin’s underage sensation Ciaran Kilkenny is set for his senior debut at Croke Park on July 1.

In their current front six Dublin have the 2010 Footballer of the Year (Bernard Brogan) and the 2011 Footballer of the Year (Alan Brogan). Add in Diarmuid Conolly, Paul Flynn, Bryan Cullen and Kevin McManamon and finding a player to kick a few scores is not a big problem for Pat Gilroy and the reigning All-Ireland champions.

But according to reports today, the Dubs boss is looking at a selection headache as 19-year-old rising star Ciaran Kilkenny is set to hook up with the senior panel next week. The Castleknock youngster has been touted for a while as the next big star of Dublin GAA and he helped the Dubs Under 21 side to All-Ireland glory earlier this year. Exceptional off both feet, with brilliant balance, from what we have seen of Kilkenny so far, he looks really special.

It was feared a few months back that the skilled forward would be heading Down Under, with Aussie Rules clubs interested in his services but Kilkenny deferred the trip to spend the summer playing with Dublin.

Now with his Leaving Cert out of the way, Kilkenny is expected to join up with the senior panel next week, paving the way for his senior debut against the Model County on July 1.

Of course, Kilkenny is also a very skilled hurler so if Gilroy doesn’t use him soon, Anthony Daly may ask for his services. One thing is for sure, Kilkenny should be very well known to a national audience very soon. Be afraid defenders of Ireland, be afraid.