Blog | Week 6

Four forwards to watch this weekend

Mike Finnerty | 08 May 2025

Exclusive to GAA+ this Weekend.

John Hetherton - Dublin

The experienced attacker stole the headlines against Wexford two weeks ago with a 2-3 salvo that propelled Dublin to a thrilling victory at Parnell Park.

So you can be sure that Antrim will be forearmed after being forewarned of the St Vincent’s forward’s potential to wreak havoc on a defence.

A son of Ciaran and Patsy, who both represented Dublin in hurling and camogie respectively for many years, John (32) comes from a family steeped in the GAA tradition.

Back in 2013, when Dublin won the Leinster senior championship, he actually carried hurls and helped out in the background as his dad was a selector under Anthony Daly.

On Saturday, Hetherton is looking to drive Dublin on to a third successive victory and keep their flying start to the summer going.

James McNaughton - Antrim

If Antrim are to have any chance of upsetting the odds against Dublin and getting a win at the third attempt, then their talented forward is going to play a major role.

The Loughgiel Shamrocks star has already racked up 1-17 in Antrim’s defeats against Wexford and Kilkenny, and is their leading scorer by a considerable distance.

He also won rave reviews for some of his scoring exploits during the Allianz League when he posted 2-11 against Laois and hit Westmeath for 1-14.

Five years after winning a Joe McDonagh Cup medal, McNaughton is now mixing it with some of the best teams in the country.

Antrim have only posted 2-31 in their opening two matches.

McNaughton has contributed more than 50% of their scores.

Enough said.

Peter Duggan - Clare

In the absence of dynamic duo, Tony Kelly and Shane O’Donnell, the Banner turned to the towering figure of the Clooney-Quin man to lead the line against Waterford last time out.

And while the All-Ireland champions came up short in Walsh Park, it was through no fault of Duggan, who tried everything to put his experience and hurling nous to good use.

He shot four points, including one from a sideline ball, and was a regular puck-out target for Eibhear Quilligan. He also weighed in with 1-1 in the dramatic draw with Cork.

The 2018 All Star will be a central figure again in Cusack Park on Saturday evening when Tipp’ come to town.

Jake Morris - Tipperary

With Darragh McCarthy suspended for Saturday evening’s blockbuster derby with Clare, the likes of John McGrath and Jason Forde will have to take on even more of the responsibility up front.

He’s a stylish operator, who won both All-Ireland minor and Under-21 medals back in the day. But for the last five seasons he’s been doing his stuff on the senior stage and, on his day, can be a very hard man to handle.