Photography courtesy of Maurice Cloake – [email protected]
Super-Sub Dillon fires Dublin to victory in Wexford Park
Dublin: 1-18 Wexford: 0-11
(By Micheál Kelly)
The hurling title Wexford so badly needed failed to arrive in Wexford Park tonight, as Dublin’s under-21 hurlers wrote themselves into the annals of Dublin GAA. This talented team put back-to-back provincial titles together when they defended their Bord Gáis Energy Leinster U21HC title in impressive fashion. After a hard-fought first half, Dublin led by a single point, and both sets of supporters felt confident of claiming the silverware. However, on a glorious summers evening, it was the visitors who left with the Séan Robbins cup, as Dublin took total control of the final 20 minutes.
Eamonn Dillon’s goal eight minutes into the second half was the spark that drove John McEvoy’s men onto provincial glory. The Naomh Fionnbarra lad was the super-sub with his tally of 1-2 as well as his overall display a major contribution to the Dublin victory. His goal made it 1-11 to 0-11 and the Slaneysiders failed to score again as the Dublin half back line seized control. Indeed, followers of Dublin hurling were disappointed this talented young forward didn’t start the game, and on this evidence, he won’t be a sub the next day. An interesting point is that Dillon was only considered good enough to start as goalkeeper on Dublin’s minor team last year, as the selectors felt there were too many forwards better than him. What a difference a year makes!
Dublin’s defence was solid throughout as Dean Curran, Darren Kelly and the outstanding Liam Rushe hassled and harried the Wexford attack any time in possession.After a slow start, Dublin found their scoring touch with Dillion, Kevin O’Loughlin, Niall McMorrow and sub Sean McGrath clinical.
Wexford meanwhile, were left searching for answers after the game. How was the team so flat and lifeless? Where was the crisp, flowing hurling this team is capable of? Emmet Kent started well and was a loss when he exited the fray with a head injury, while Paul Morris looked dangerous anytime he gained possession. Unfortunately however, we came up against a more physical, and ultimately more clinical side on the day.
Wexford had a goal chance in the 40th minute but Kelly put his body in the way to deny James Breen from point blank range. His ‘thou shall not pass’ attitude exemplified that of his defence as they repelled the best Wexford could throw at them and as the game reached its conclusion Dublin’s task was made easier by the quest for goals by the home side.
The opening half was a different affair with neither side getting on top for any sustained period of time. Wexford led 0-5 to 0-2 inside ten minutes with the accuracy of Emmet Kent to the fore. Dublin rallied with points in the 10th, 12th and 14th minutes from O’Loughlin, the stylish McMorrow and a monster O’Loughlin free from 80 metres to draw level.
Coming into the closing minutes of the first half Wexford edged back in front with points from Liam Ó McGovern and Paul Morris but crucially the Dubs found their stride before the break with excellent scores from Dean Curran, a 40-metre sideline, an inspirational Dillon point from the covered stand touchline on the run and 63-metre free from O’Loughlin to lead 0-9 to 0-8 at the break.
The second half saw the sides exchange points and after 36 minutes Harry Kehoe scored a fine point from midfield to make the scoreline read 11 points apiece. However, this would be the Model county men’s final score of the game. After 38 minutes, Dillon made a super catch, before finding the space to crash the ball past Wexford captain and goalkeeper Mark Fanning.
From here on, Dublin added points through O’oughlin, Dillon, McMorrow and substitute Seán McGrath. Wexford did keep trying to the bitter end, but the home support were once again left shaking their heads and wondering what we need to do in order to claim provincial silverware in any grade.
Dublin Scorers: K O’Loughlin 0-8 (0-6f), E Dillon 1-2, N McMorrow 0-3, S McGrath 0-2, C Gough, D Curran (0-1 sline), D Sutcliffe 0-1 each.
Wexford Scorers: P Morris (0-2f), E Kent (0-2f, 0-1 ‘65’) 0-4 each, P Doran, L Óg McGovern, H Kehoe 0-1 each.
Dublin: G McManus; B O’Carroll, D Kelly, J Doughan; D Curran, L Rushe, M Quilty; C Gough, D Sutcliffe; D Plunkett, M Schutte, R Mahon; K O’Loughlin, T Connolly, N McMorrow. Subs: E Dillon for Quilty (28), S McGrath for Mahon (ht), C Brennan for Schutte (50), F Clabby for Connolly (60), O Ó Maoileidigh for O’Loughlin (60).
Wexford: M Fanning; E Moore, P Donnelly, W Devereux; M O’Regan, M O’Hanlon, S Murphy; E Kent, H Kehoe; S Tomkins, J Leacy, L Óg McGovern; P Morris, J Breen, P Doran. Subs: D O’Keefe for Kent (22), J Gahan for Leacy (43), I Byrne for Tomkins (47), J Reck for O’Keefe (56).
Referee: S Cleere (Kilkenny)
The Dubs face the Ulster champions in the All-Ireland semi-final.
