Underdogs name starting 15 to take on Dublin

For these young men, the wait is over…

‘The Underdogs’ are ready to go and do battle with All-Ireland champions Dublin. The game will be played under lights this evening in Parnell Park and will be broadcast live on TG4.

Managed by former Galway captain Ray Silke, Cork Ladies legend Valerie Mulcahy and former Footballer of the Year Paul Galvin. The Underdogs are a unique crop of players. Made up of willing inter-county footballers who have never quite made the breakthrough at senior level, they have fought tooth and nail, pillar to post for a place in the final squad.

The final episode of the series was aired on Thursday, and the three selectors had the nightmarish task of picking the 15 that will start the game on Friday night.

Tá na #Underdogs ar an mbealach go Páirc Parnell.

The Underdogs squad are heading to Parnell Park ahead of tonight's game against @DubGAAOfficial @GAA_BEO ar @TG4TV ag 19:20 anocht! pic.twitter.com/c4lz2b5PuP

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2018

Here are the men chosen to enter the lion’s den at 7.45pm

Underdogs 15

1. Blake Forkan (St. Eunan’s, Co. Donegal originally from Killtimagh, Co. Mayo)
2. Ruairi Cunningham (Clonmore Robert Emmets, Co. Armagh)
3. Graham Heavey (Ballyboden St. Enda’s, Co. Dublin)
4. DJ Murphy (Gneeveguilla GAA, Co. Kerry)
5. Sam McCurdy (O’Dwyers GAA, Co. Dublin)
6. Seán Brady (St.Treas Ballymaguigan, Co.Derry)
7. Adam Wilson (Scoil Uí Chonaill, Co. Dublin)
8. Colm Flynn (C) (Ballymahon GAA, Co. Longford)
9. Eamon O’Donoghue (Padraig Pearses, Co. Roscommon
10. Nigel Rabbitt (Northern Gaels, Co. Longford)
11. Fintan Ó Cuanaigh (St. James, Co. Galway)
12. Niall Canning (Drumcliff Rosses Point, Co. Sligo)
13. Gary O’Daly ((St. Mary’s, Co. Leitrim)
14. Stephen Harford (Round Towers, Co, Dublin)
15. Cormac Doohan (Ballaghaderreen GAA, Co. Mayo)

It is important to note that whilst only 15 can start the game, these men have put their hearts and souls into preparing for this game.

#Underdogs v @DubGAAOfficial at @GAA_BEO anocht ag 19:20@TG4TV
The Underdogs have landed!
@SportsJOE_GAA @ballsdotie pic.twitter.com/XAKPqQLjFm

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2018

Selector Paul Galvin summed it up perfectly last night when addressing the team after the first 15 was announced.

“As they’re known now in sports lads, they’re finishers, not subs. Finishers.”

Let’s hope they can finish the job tonight. What an underdog story that would be.

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