Conor Burke encouraged about Dublin's progress
eir hurling ambassador Conor Burke was on hand as eir announced a major milestone in its network transformation - Ireland’s No.1 5G Network Availability award for the fifth year in a row. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Conor Burke sensed something was stirring in the Dublin team. Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s outfit were primed to deliver in the All-Ireland SHC Quarter-Final against Limerick.
Setbacks were adequately dealt with; Dublin found a way to survive and thrive ensuring another match beckons at Croke Park.
Saturday’s encounter with Cork at GAA headquarters promises to be lively, but the defiance demonstrated in the Limerick success augurs well. “For sure, I think in terms of the game, there wasn't a lot of in my head at the time to be honest with you, it was very much I was trying to focus on effecting the next play and the next ball,” Burke explains.
“These inter-county games, particularly in the knockout stages, are relentless in terms of the basics of the game and the amount ball you've to deal with. You consistently have a role, whether it's effecting the play and the ball or whether it's, you offering support to a teammate.
“So, I think like that was just something that that kind of shone through across the entire team. Everybody had that mindset. Collectively, that was powerful.”
For the past couple of decades, Dublin have competed, but reaching the latter stages of the Championship matters deeply. It can help to inspire the next generation. “Yeah, I’d agree,” Burke replies.
“The last time we were here, obviously 2013, I would have been in the stands watching them. I'm 26 right now, so that would have inspired me when I was young and I obviously I looked up with great admiration to some of the players that were playing that day and then managed to go on and obviously play with some of them.
“So, I think there's good excitement in Dublin hurling at the minute and hopefully we're not done at this stage, and hopefully, we can progress on.”
Ó Ceallacháins role in Dublin’s campaign shouldn’t be underestimated. “Nellie is a brilliant manager, tonnes and tonnes of respect for him,” Burke says.
Conor Burke and Niall Ó Ceallacháin celebrate following Dublin's All-Ireland SHC Quarter-Final win over Limerick at Croke Park. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
“He's obviously Dublin based, he has a Dublin based backroom team with him, who're really passionate about the success of us as individuals and as a team collectively. I think everyone has really bought into what Nellie is trying to do and what the management team is trying to do.
“I think there is a good sense of unity amongst the team, getting behind him, and putting the shoulder to the wheel, and following his lead.”
Undoubtedly, there is a significant commitment involved operating at the highest level, but it is a challenge Burke relishes. “It has been very much second nature, part of my routine growing up, I was part of Dublin minor and U20 teams and seniors from a young age,” Burke says.
“You get used to it in terms of the commitment side of things. From the enjoyment side of things, to be involved in an elite set-up, you push yourself in terms of how far you can go. You're constantly looking for that extra per cent.
“I think it is a common mindset amongst the team; everybody has that mindset. So, everybody is looking to do the extra gym session or hurling session or recovery session.
“With that comes lots of socialising, lads are making the same sacrifices and putting the same time in. There is a sense of togetherness, and you get the craic that goes with it.”
In the 12 years since Dublin last hurled in the penultimate round, resilience has been demonstrated. Burke, though, remains optimistic about the future. “I think, ultimately, you're competing to win,” Burke says.
“You're not competing to take part in it. From our end, what keeps us hungry, and keeps us coming back, given the fact that there isn't many in the panel with a Leinster medal for years ago, we're chasing the silverware.
“The hunger is still there for a lot of the lads to go to win. That is coupled with belief. It isn't blind, there is a lot of confidence in the group. Everybody knows there is lots of talent, if we can perform, get that out of ourselves, we feel we can beat any team on a given day, really.”
eir has reached a major milestone in its network transformation, Ireland's No.1 5G Network Availability award for the fifth year in a row. As the first operator to launch 5G at Croke Park in 2020, eir continues to enhance the matchday experience for fans and players alike. Known as the fastest field sport in the world, hurling is a fitting match for eir’s ultra-fast fibre and 5G networks – now bringing faster speeds, stronger connections, and better coverage to communities across Ireland.
