SFC 2008 - Dublin beaten by Tyrone

Dublin 1-08 Tyrone 3-14

We should have known - a rain sodden day & a weeks extra preparation for the red hand men. And when Captain Alan limped off early perhaps the send end of a fantastic summer was entirely predictable. The Gods even predicted the outcome as a clap of thunder & flash of lightning welcomed the team to the field.

Tyrone took a stranglehold on the game in the 1st half with 2 points from Mossy Quinn & Barry Cahill being Dublin's only scores in the opening 30 & when Sean Cavanagh shrugged off the challenge of Ross McConnell running further than Usain Bolt before blasting to the net the Dubs were in real trouble. There was a glimmer of hope before half time when Conal Keaney superbly fisted home for goal from Collie Morans centre but when Joe McMahon quickly goaled again Dublin went in at half time with a paltry score of 1-03 trailing by 5 points.

We needed a good start to the 2nd period but it wasn't to be. Tyrone opened up with 3 quick points & it was no longer a mountain to climb it was Everest. The Dubs kept at it & points from Keaney, Quinn & Bernard, the sub for his injured brother, showed spirit but it just wasn't to be. The 3rd Tyrone goal merely confirming our fate.

Dublin - Stephen Cluxton, David Henry, Ross McConnell (Eamonn Fennell (60)), Paul Griffin, Bary Cahill(0-01), Bryan Cullen, Colin Moran, Ciaran Whelan, Shane Ryan, Conal Keaney (1-01), Jason Sherlock (Mark Vaughan (55) (0-01)), Kevin Bonner, Alan Brogan (Bernard Brogan (5) (0-03)), Diarmuid Connolly (Paul Casey (50)), Tomas Quinn (0-02) (Brendan McManamon (55)).

Tyrone - J Devine, C Gourley, Justin McMahon, C Gormley (0-01), D Harte (1-01), R McMenamin, P Jordan (D McCaul (60)), C Holmes (K Hughes (65)), E McGinley (0-01), B Dooher (0-03) (R Mellon (65)), B McGuigan (O Mulligan (69)), Joe McMahon (1-01), T McGuigan (0-02) (M Penrose (55)), S Cavanagh (1-02), C McCullagh (0-03).

In the post-match press conference Pillar announced that he would be stepping down as manager. The Supporters Club wish him & all those in the backroom team well & thank them for their commitment to the cause over the past 4 years. It is easy to forget just how much time is invested in preparing a senior county team, particularly the Dublin team, putting family life on hold for the period, & placing oneself under extraordinary press scrutiny & criticism. We are all proud of the efforts of Pillar & his colleagues & we thank them for taking us on a fantastic voyage. 4 successive Leinster titles is no small achievement & we have enjoyed every minute of them. Thanks for the great memories.