Ronan Hayes hoping to help inspire the next generation of Dublin hurlers
Dublin's Ronan Hayes pictured ahead of the Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Final against Clare at TUS Gaelic Grounds. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Click here to listen to the interview with Dublin senior hurler Ronan Hayes.
By Cian O'Connell
These are encouraging times for Dublin hurling.
Sunday's Allianz League Division 1B decider against Clare at TUS Gaelic Grounds is a challenge to embrace. Having reached the 2025 All-Ireland SHC Semi-Final, Ronan Hayes acknowledges that it was critical to remain relevant.
So, that is why promotion to the top tier for 2027 mattered deeply. "I think from an outcome perspective, we're really happy to get promoted and to have a league final to look forward to, now on Sunday," Hayes says.
"It was really important, just in order to get that momentum going again, to get a couple of wins under the belt, and obviously promotion was massive, to get up into 1A next year.
"I think, as well, just to get exposure for a lot of lads, we've had 35 odd players playing in the league this year. Getting them game time and minutes was really important leading into championship."
Niall Ó Ceallacháin has afforded emerging players significant opportunities. "It's really important to have that competition, to have a lot of lads looking for starting jerseys and places on panels of 26," Hayes says.
"I think it is really encouraging for Dublin hurling and it is something we need for the year going forward, to build that strength in depth. A lot of players are going to be needed throughout the championship."
Hayes is adamant that the Dublin panel is developing nicely. "It's something every successful panel needs," Hayes replies. "If we can get that, it's a step in the right direction. The competition this year and in the last couple of years has really increased.
Dublin senior hurler Ronan Hayes. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
"You've a lot of lads looking for the same jersey which is great, and that pushes the fella, who is in that spot, to continue to improve, and to continue to perform."
There is an ambition and drive to succeed ensuring Sunday's occasion is another one to relish. "For sure, it's great to be involved in Dublin hurling, a group like that, who're really striving to achieve and trying to improve and to continue to achieve the potential that is in the group," Hayes says.
"It's a great experience to play in front of big crowds and to get used to that sort of intensity. For a league final, it's obviously going to step up another gear in terms of performance, the level of intensity and the provincial championships are just around the corner.
"So, it's great exposure to get for a lot of lads in the team, and it can only be beneficial."
Dublin clubs have impressed on the Leinster and All-Ireland stage, offering an injection of hope. "A lot of work has been put into Dublin hurling at club level," Hayes reflects.
"There has been a lot of success, across a lot of clubs. It is really important, I suppose, that it feeds into the inter-county set-up, and we're starting to see some of the benefits of that, in the last couple of years."
The enjoyment factor is key for Hayes, who is hopeful that the next generation in Dublin can deliver, too. "I think when you look back across, even last year, some of the days we had out, a lot of enjoyment goes with that, and there has been a couple this year, and we're hoping for many more of them, this year," Hayes says.
"You've a lot of lads in the group, who'd have been young lads looking at that 2013 team and taking inspiration from that. So, if we can do something similar for girls and boys in Dublin GAA, that'd be great."
