Dublin’s exceptional performance in the Leinster SFC semi-final against Offaly left little room for surprises, largely mirroring the 20-point handicap that the bookmakers had confidently, and accurately, placed on Dessie Farrell’s accomplished team. Trashing Offaly 3-22 to 0-11, Dublin’s victorious streak in the regional competition continues unabated, revealed to be nearly as predictable. A third goal scored in the final moments by Colm Basquel augmented the lead however, the victory was dominant nonetheless.
Dessie Farrell, while reserved in his comments about the larger implications of the Leinster championship, acknowledged that Dublin’s reign is not likely to end anytime soon. This was evident amid a smaller crowd at the semi-finals double-header – a meagre 21,957. The focus now shifts to next month’s finale between Dublin and Louth, a rematch of the 2023 contest.
The upcoming match presents a daunting task for Louth, if not in overcoming the odds set by the bookies on Danube, then certainly in securing a victory. Dublin, a finely-tuned, efficient machine, was in control from the beginning. Con O’Callaghan’s initial goal in the 18th minute, putting Dublin 1-5 to 0-2 ahead, was an omen of the match’s outcome.
Paul Mannion, cricketer of the match, served O’Callaghan and along with the top scorer Colm Basquel, played an integral role in this win. Not to be undermined, Niall Scully’s contribution to Dublin’s success, aided by his high work-rate, was also substantial.
Offaly showed a spark from the 41st to the 66th minute where they outscored Dublin by a point, but it did not prevent Dublin from widening their final lead to an impressive 20 points.
Despite the astounding performance, Farrell managed to keep his enthusiasm in check. Although he was content with the consistent showing over the course of the match and the diversity in scorers, he alluded towards forthcoming tougher battles.
Farrell acknowledged the increased level of competition within the teams and emphasised the need to surpass last year’s performance level. The confrontation between Farrell and another Dublin legend, newly appointed manager of Louth, Ger Brennan, on Leinster final day, is seemingly unavoidable. Reflecting on Brennan’s work in Louth, Farrell observed a distinct level of nuanced sophistication and a drive to enhance performance levels, which was clear even in the initial stages of the season.
The Tailteann Cup action, set to resume in May, sees Offaly manager Kelly remark upon the team’s necessity to fully understand its importance – a topic that has been previously discussed in the dressing room.
The player roster for Dublin included S Cluxton, M Fitzsimons, S MacMahon, C Murphy, T Lahiff, J Small, E Murchan, B Fenton, J McCarthy, N Scully, C Cosello, C Kilkenny, P Mannion, C O’Callaghan, C Basquel. Replacements included L O’Dell, K McGinnis, R McGarry, D Newcombe, and T Clancy.
For Offaly, the players on the pitch were I Duffy, L Pearson, D Dempsey, D Hogan, C Egan, P Cunningham, J Furlong, E Carroll, J McEvoy, K O’Neill, R McNamee, J Hayes, N Poland, J Bryant, and D Hyland.
Substitutions: R Egan replaced Poland, C Flynn who secured 0-1 came on for McNamee (both at half-time), following up was K McDermott in for Bryant at 54 minutes, C Donoghue took over from McEvoy at 59 minutes, and finally, J O’Brien took the place of O’Neill at 66 minutes in the game. The referee presiding over the game was P Faloon, hailing from Down.