Dublin hurling manager Ger Cunningham wants to see a big show of support as they start their championship quest against Wexford on Saturday.

The Bord Gáis Energy ambassador speaking at the launch of the 2016 Bord Gáis Energy U-21 All-Ireland Championship.

With Dublin fans filling out Croke Park regularly for the footballers, Cunningham would love to see the same for the hurlers starting on Saturday.

"I've no doubt that the lads we have training train as hard if not harder than the footballers. We're crying out for recognition and crying out for support and the footballers get phenomenal support and hopefully the hurlers, we're looking for the supporters to come out and support the lads on Saturday night," he said.

"It's a big stadium to fill and I'd love to see the Dublin supporters there to come out and support the team. But there's an onus on us too to give them something to play for and shout about and we've got a tough task but it will certainly help the cause if we had a good support in Croke Park on Saturday night." 

Cunningham also spoke about the boost of having Ryan O'Dwyer back after suffering a broken jaw in an assault last year.

"He got back in as Ryan O'Dwyer does and that gave everyone a lift. It was a big boost for the other players to see him coming back in. He's an experienced player and he brings a great level of enthusiasm and passion for the game," he said.