Mickey Whelan has insisted that Dublin's decision to go on a training camp to La Manga next month is not a snub to the O'Byrne Cup. Dublin are the current holders of the pre-season Leinster competition, but will only be able to field a shadow team in their first round tie against Offaly on January 4 because of their trip to Spain. Under 21 manager Jim Gavin will take charge of the side which will be primarily made up of under 21 players. Whelan, who is part of new senior boss Pat Gilroy's backroom team, said: "Our trip to La Manga does not mean that we don't attach importance to the O'Byrne Cup. "But we feel it's more important to try to get things right for the rest of the year by going to the training camp than by fielding a full-strength side in the O'Byrne Cup. "Anyway, it will give other lads a chance to show if they have the ability and desire to play at senior inter-county level." Tweet

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