Conor McHugh looking forward to Leinster Championship
Dublin's Conor McHugh pictured at the launch of the Leinster SFC. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the full interview with Dublin senior hurler Conor McHugh.
By Cian O'Connell
Growing up, Gaelic Football and hurling was always on the agenda. A fine sporting education was received with Na Fianna.
Dual players were developed and cherished, precisely what McHugh wanted. "I owe so much to people in Na Fianna, that I haven't had a chance to thank yet, but I'm sure I will over the years as I get older," McHugh says on the eve of the Leinster SHC.
McHugh has represented Dublin at the highest level in both codes and is still going strong for Niall Ó Ceallacháin's hurlers. "From a young age with Na Fianna, one thing I will say is that it was football and hurling," he adds.
"It was very much a dual club. All I remember was playing a game on Saturday in football, a game the following Saturday in hurling. They really promoted football and hurling equally.
"I'm very happy with that, I'm a dual player, through and through. I equally love football and I owe all that to Na Fianna, who put that in place for myself."
Ó Ceallacháin is from the same club. The Dublin manager has forged a good connection with the panel during the past 15 months or so. "He got some great performances out of us last year," McHugh reflects.
"He loves Dublin hurling. It has been a big part of his life from a young age. I think that definitely helps. Players can latch on to that. It is good to have. He also has great Dubs in with him, too.
"Dotsy O'Callaghan, Curts (David Curtin) played with Dublin for years, and Donal McGovern is in there, too. It's very much a Dublin set-up and that's a good thing, for sure."
Ryan Taylor, Clare, and Conor McHugh, Dublin, in Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Final action. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Despite losing the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Final against Clare, Dublin still attained 1A status for 2027. "Our goal at the start of the year was to get promoted - which we achieved," McHugh says.
"We went into the final, aiming to win it, we were disappointed not to win, but I think with the format, and the way the Championship is, we're out on Saturday, you dust yourself off, and move on pretty quickly."
Operating in the top tier will be beneficial according to McHugh. "It's very important, you probably only see the benefits next year, but you need to be playing against the top teams, week in, week out," he remarks.
"You've to be challenging yourself, if you want to be the best, you need to be playing the best week in, week out. I'd have seen, watching the games on the TV, the quality and standard of it, and it brings you on, playing that level of opposition every week."
Liam Rushe's return to the fold is a boost too ahead of Saturday's awkward opening provincial assignment away to Offaly. "Our goal this year is to win a Leinster Championship, like every other team here," McHugh says.
"To do that you need to have the strongest possible Dublin panel, and he definitely makes us stronger. So, we're delighted to have him, delighted to have him on board."
Having a blend of emerging and established players is vital. "When I played football back in the day, that is exactly what we had," McHugh replies.
"A great mix of experienced heads, but also youth, young lads driving it. If you look at every successful team, they've had that. I think we've that in place this year which is good for Dublin hurling."
