Newly appointed captain David Dooley, 22, may need ChatGPT for speech if Laois win Joe McDonagh Cup
DAVID Dooley is the type of captain who prefers to do most of his talking on the pitch.
But the 22-year-old hopes to say a few words this weekend from the steps of the Hogan Stand.
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Just 16 months since he made his senior debut, Dooley could lead Laois back to the top tier of inter-county hurling on Sunday.
Asked if he plans to prepare a victory speech should the O'Moore men conquer Kildare in the Joe McDonagh Cup final, Dooley joked that he may need the assistance of ChatGPT.
However, there was nothing artificial about how honoured he felt to be appointed skipper for 2025 by manager Tommy Fitzgerald.
Dooley said: 'Probably the overriding emotion was just pride.
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'I snatched his hand off when I got the call.
'I wasn't really expecting it but there are so many big leaders within the group as well.
"There are so many lads I can learn off and have learned off in the past year.
'I wouldn't be the biggest talker in the group or anything like that but I try my best to lead by example if I can on the pitch.
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'That's where I probably add the most amount of value to the group.'
Being entrusted with the captaincy at such a tender age belied his inexperience.
'Like something out of the French Revolution' - RTE GAA pundit Donal Og Cusack slams Dublin star's reckless swipe
Still, it was not the first instance of Dooley being fast-tracked.
The Rosenallis man was due to make his senior bow as a newly graduated minor in a 2021 National League clash with Wexford — only to learn on the eve of the game that an age eligibility rule change would prevent him from playing for Laois that season.
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A promising rugby player, Dooley opted to spend a couple of years in the Leinster sub-academy alongside current Ireland out-half
Although his bid for a professional contract ultimately came up short, he has no complaints.
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David Dooley hopes this isn't the last time he lifts the Joe McDonagh Cup
Dooley said: 'The fact I had Laois hurling and GAA in general to come back to was absolutely massive for me. It's been absolutely brilliant coming back in too.
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'To be honest, when I was away from it, I did miss it a lot.
'I am absolutely delighted to be involved. Playing for Laois is something I grew up dreaming of doing.
'To captain Laois is really the cherry on top.'
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Provincial hurling finals - All You Need to Know
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