Paul Caffrey will make his debut as Dublin manager next Friday night (7.30) when the first game under lights in Parnell Park sees Louth visit the capital, with the proceeds going to St Vincent De Paul and Raheny Hospice. (tickets cost €5).
Sselector Dave Billings, returning for a second term, pointed out that the game will be approached as a fixture for charity because many of last year's panel will be absent as the Dublin league semi-finals and relegation play-offs are taking place next weekend. The under-21 club championship is also scheduled.
"It's still the middle of December and we have only met up once or twice," said Billings. "It is for charity so the game will be approached in that light."
Still, the contest is the first of few opportunities to see the development of fringe Dublin players ahead of the first National League match against Mayo on February 5th, also under lights in Parnell Park, as the Dublin under-21s will represent the county in this year's O'Byrne Cup.
Chairman Johnny Doyle called on the county board and football board to put their differences behind them in the interest of football in Tipperary, at the Mid-Tipperary convention in Thurles yesterday.
Referring to the appointment last week of a new management team for the county's senior footballers, Doyle said enough had been said about the controversy which raged following the resignation of the previous management team.
