Doyle backs interpro series

Leinster football selector Johnny Doyle says the inter-provincial series remains a key breeding ground for players.

The former Kildare star, who played 154 times for the Lilywhites over 15 seasons, will be in attendance as Sean Kelly’s Leinster side face Connacht in the Interprovincial Championship at Parnell Park on Saturday evening.

Doyle says the tournament, which was called off last year because of poor weather, allows players from different counties to mix, talk about the game, and take in new ideas

"It’s a tricky one, every year, as long as I can remember, it’s “where do we fit it in?” and yet we’re here, still trying to fit it in," Doyle told gaa.ie.

"I think it is important we find somewhere for it. No matter where in the calendar, it seems to be bursting. I’ve had experience of playing it abroad and it was brilliant.

"I went to Paris and Boston. It was great for the players to mix and get to know each other. Even to this day there’s one or two you’d always keep in contact. Out there you might have done everything to plot their downfall but playing in the inter-provincials, it was great for the players."

John Small and Darren Daly are the only players from All-Ireland champions Dublin in the squad, but Doyle says many of Small and Daly's team-mates were keen to play in the inter-pros.

"I was talking to [Dublin forward] Bernard Brogan — he’s away on his stag and you’d think maybe he’s played it before [so he wouldn't want to again] — but he was mad to play it again, only he’s away the weekend."

LEINSTER FOOTBALL INTER-PROVINCIAL SQUAD: 1. Alan Mulhall (Offaly) 2. Padraig Rath (Louth) 3. Donal Keoghan (Meath) 4. John Small (Dublin) 5. Darren Daly (Dublin) 6. Shane O'Rourke (Meath) 7. Brian Malone (Wexford) 8. John O’Loughlin (Laois) 9. Paul Sharry (Westmeath) 10. James Dolan (Westmeath) 11. John McGrath (Wicklow) 12. Graham Reilly (Meath) 13. Donie Kingston (Laois) 14. John Heslin (Westmeath) 15. Kieran Martin (Westmeath) 16. Paddy Colloum (Longford) 17. Johnny Byrne (Kildare) 18. Neil Flynn (Kildare) 19. Daniel St Leger (Carlow) 20. Graham Guilfoyle (Offaly) 21. Declan Byrne (Louth) 22. Dean Healy (Wicklow) 23. Kevin Meaney (Laois) 24. Nigel Dunne (Offaly) 25. Peter Cunningham (Offaly) 26. Darragh Foley (Carlow)

Photo (Inpho/MorganTreacy)

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