No Connolly for St. Vincent’s as April club month gets underway

Club GAA is back.

It hasn't really been gone for that long. After all it was only two weeks ago that Cuala lifted hurling's ultimate crown when they defeated Na Piarsaigh in the All-Ireland club final replay. On Saturday Matty Kenny's men were back in action as they began the defence of their crown in the Dublin senior hurling first round against St. Brigid's. Never mind no rest for the wicked, the Dalkey men didn't even get that much of a chance to celebrate their historic achievement. There were club games taking place all over the country this weekend as the GAA's April club month was set in motion. The big guns are out all over with Dr. Crokes in action in Kerry, and Castlebar Mitchels beginning their campaign in Mayo. In Dublin, it was hurling for the day, with two of the county's first round games being broadcast on eir sport. The first of those was the clash of last year's beaten semi-finalists St. Vincent's with underdogs Raheny. Much of the talk going into the clash surrounded Diarmuid Connolly. The last year has been an eventful one for Connolly. Ever since he laid his hands on the chest of linesman Ciaran Branagan in Portlaoise, he hasn't been able to reclaim his place on the Dublin football team. Reports emerged last week claiming that he's set to take a break from the game, but could have his head turned by Pat Gilroy and the Dublin hurlers. With Jim Gavin insisting that his man is only resting, nobody is really sure what's going on with Diarmuid Connolly. The uncertainty has now extended to the club scene, with Connolly, who has been a key player for the club's hurlers in recent times, not even named on their panel for this clash. Perhaps that is the surest indication yet that he is, indeed, taking a break from the GAA. Meanwhile, Danny Sutcliffe's St Jude's took on Michael Carton's O'Toole's in another game of note in the Dublin SHC. Updates on these games to follow...