SFC Qualifier - Dublin 1-21 Tipperary 1-13

Dublin 1-21 Tipperary 1-13


It started so well a goal chance for Eoghan O’Gara from the throw in and within 10 minutes the Dubs were 5 points clear, with Alan Brogan excellent in this period. Ten minutes later there was an air of relief as new full forward on an impressive starting debut, turned his man in front of the Hogan Stand brushed aside the challenge looked up and played across to the onrushing McAuley who palmed the ball to the net. The Blues now six points up and coasting. One interesting footnote to the opening period saw Clucko come up & point a 45.

But then the weather played its part and Rory O’Carroll slipped when his man Barry Grogan turned sharply, & then a high ball over young Rory’s head and Clucko had no chance as the Tipp full forward netted. To Rory’s credit the slip did not impact on his game as he battled strongly for the rest of the game.

The goal seemed to be like a pin bursting the Dubs confidence and their early dominance disappeared as Tipp kicked a few scores to go in only 2 points down 1-09 to 1-07.

The Dubs, one assumes fresh from a half time rollicking, came out the stronger in the 2nd period and again took control of the game. Over the next period they would outscore the Munster men 2-1 with some fine scores over that time. Giller had made some changes in this half with Fingallians Paul Flynn replaced at the interval by Eamon Fennell and Eamo stamped his mark on the game. He caught & held much good ball through the half and through guts and determination wrestled the ball just outside of the square before kicking an inspirational point. Eamo was joined by Bryan Cullen & Conal Keaney as new entrants in this 2nd half and each showed the manager that they want a place the next day. In this middle quarter the Dubs were far the better team and even though Tipp managed a few scores the Dubs were comfortably home. The final act of the game saw a good save to deny O’Gara a deserved goal. Earlier in this half we had Clucko taking a far more difficult 45 from the sideline in front of the Cusack. He missed and this strategy is something Giller will have to consider for the next day.

One footnote was the terrible crowd at the game. Only 22,000 for a double header. We will need far greater support the next day out.

And so on to the draw and out came Armagh. A much sterner test and Dublin will have certainly to improve and ensure they avoid a repeat of their last competitive appearance against the Orchard Men.

Dublin - Stephen Cluxton (Parnells) (0-01), Michael Fitzsimons (Cuala), Rory O’Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes), Philip McMahon(Ballymun Kickhams), Kevin Nolan (Kilmacud Crokes) (Paul Casey (Lucan Sarsfields) (65)), Ger Brennan (St. Vincents), David Henry (Raheny), Michael Dara MacAuley (Ballyboden St. Endas) (1-01), Ross McConnell (St. Oliver Plunketts/ER) (0-02), Paul Flynn (Fingallians) (Eamonn Fennell (O’Tooles) (35) (0-01)), Alan Brogan (St. Oliver Plunketts/ER) (0-04), Niall Corkery (Kilmacud Crokes) (Bryan Cullen (Skerries Harps) (55)), Bernard Brogan (St. Oliver Plunketts/ER) (0-07), Eoghan O’Gara (Templeogue/SS) (0-01), Kevin McManamon (St. Judes) (0-01) (Conal Keaney (Ballyboden St. Endas) (45) (0-03)). Subs not used: Michael Savage (St. Vincents), Barry Cahill (St. Brigids), Tomás Quinn (St. Vincents), Paul Conlon (St. Vincents), Paul Brogan (St. Oliver Plunketts/ER), James Brogan (St. Oliver Plunketts/ER), Kevin Bonner (St. Brigids), Pat Burke (Kilmacud Crokes), Paddy Andrews (St. Brigids), James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams), Hugh Gill (St. Vincents), Alan Hubbard (Ballymun Kickhams).

Tipperary - P Fitzgerald, P Codd (E Kearney (69)), R Costigan, A Morrissey, C McGrath, B Jones (B Mulvihill (45)), B Fox, G Hannigan, N Curran, S Hahessy (0-01)(B Coen (30) (0-01)), Hugh Coghlan (St. Vincents) (A Rockett (65)), P Acheson (K Mulryan (55)), P Austin (0-03), B Grogan (1-05), C Sweeney (0-03).