Conal Keaney undecided on Dublin hurling return
Keaney preparing for Leinster decider on Sunday after helping club side Ballyboden St Enda's to county title
Wednesday 28 November 2018 18:58, UK
Conal Keaney is unsure if he will commit to another year with the Dublin senior hurlers.
The 36-year-old came out of retirement in 2018 and was a driving force as the Sky Blues ran Kilkenny to the pin of their collar in the Leinster Championship.
He then helped his club Ballyboden St Enda's to the county title, putting in a remarkable display in the replay win over Kilmacud Crokes. They are now preparing for Sunday's Leinster decider against Ballyhale Shamrocks.
Currently occupied with club action, Keaney remains undecided as to whether he will return to his county's cause next year under new manager Mattie Kenny.
"I don't know," said Keaney, when asked if he will return to intercounty action in 2019. "I'll see how the body is after this (club) campaign. It's been a hard enough campaign. We'll see what happens on Sunday.
"He (Kenny) was in touch to say he's not going to be in touch anymore, to let everyone concentrate on the club because he obviously knows that you don't want to be distracted by the county when you're still in with the club.
"I think he's respecting that. He'll probably touch base with a lot of lads that he wants between now and Christmas, regardless of the result on Sunday."
The ex-Dublin footballer doesn't know Galway-native Kenny, but is hopeful he can translate his success with Cuala to the intercounty fold.
"I don't know Mattie, I've never worked with him. I haven't sat down and talked to him, I don't know anything about him. The Cuala lads would say he's very prepared, he's well-drilled and he knows what he wants.
"You have to go with what he's won in Cuala. That's some achievement to get two All-Irelands back-to-back. If he can bring that to Dublin, it'll be great."
While he did not disclose whether he will be involved in 2019, Keaney opined that the last year has laid solid foundations for the Dubs senior hurlers for the coming season.
"I wouldn't say it (2018) was a successful year for Dublin. It was a step forward but we really need to drive it on from now on, whoever is going to be there.
"It's not good enough, the clap on the back - 'well done, you had a great year' even though you didn't progress out of the group. That's not any good to anyone. From where Dublin were at, I think Pat [Gilroy] did a good job to make the platform for Dublin and I'm sure Mattie is going to drive it on now."
Ballyboden St Enda's Conal Keaney was speaking ahead of the AIB GAA Leinster Senior Hurling Championship Final where they face Ballyhale Shamrocks on Sunday, December 2 at Netwatch Cullen Park. AIB is in its 28th season sponsoring the GAA Club Championship.
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