All-Ireland SFC QF: Dublin finish strongly

All-Ireland SFC Quarter-Final

Dublin 1-25 Galway 1-21

By Cian O'Connell at Croke Park

This was a compelling afternoon at GAA headquarters when Dublin's drive and desire mattered deeply.

Trailing by six in the closing stages in the 55th minute following a John Maher goal, Dublin's collection of emerging and established players thundered back into the contest.

The splendid Con O'Callaghan (two) and Paddy Small landed points before Liam Silke was black carded for a foul on Colm Basquel in the 60th minute. O'Callaghan converted the resultant penalty.

Suddenly the teams were level, but Dublin were armed with critical momentum. Galway, down to 14 for the dying embers, battled, but Dublin wouldn't be denied.

Shane Walsh guided Galway in front, but Dublin reeled off the last four scores courtesy of the industrious Niall Scully (two pointer), Basquel, O'Callaghan, and substitute Seán Guiden to prevail.

It was a heartening day for Dublin, who roll into the penultimate round loaded with hope again. Long time foes Kerry are next on the agenda.

Victories over Cavan, Donegal, and Galway ensure that Dublin believe significant possibilities exist. The beauty of this Championship year, though, is that Louth, Mayo, and Kerry are similarly optimistic.

Initially, Galway were extremely efficient converting opportunities, only trailing by the narrowest of margins, 0-14 to 0-13, at the interval. Galway had clipped 0-13 from 11 scoring attempts as Céin D'Arcy, Rob Finnerty, and Paul Conroy rifled over two pointers.

Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Brian Howard were influential figures for Dublin, who generated plenty of possession throughout a keenly contested first half.

Inside O'Callaghan carried a potent threat, while Paddy Small and Colm Basquel were prominent too for Dublin.

At the opposite end of the field Finnerty was creating and scoring for Galway, who departed at the break behind by the minimum.

Then, Galway enjoyed a productive burst. With Kieran Molloy and Dylan McHugh venturing forward at every available opportunity Galway nudged 0-20 to 0-17 ahead with 15 minutes remaining.

A Shane Walsh goal effort was blocked, but John Maher bravely dived to palm the ball over the line for a goal. Galway were six in front, but Dublin responded admirably.

O'Callaghan's major from the penalty restored parity, but even though Walsh supplied a point, Dublin finished with a flourish.

Another chapter will now be inked in the Dublin and Kerry tale.

Scorers for Dublin: Con O'Callaghan 1-7 (1-0 pen, 3fs), Niall Scull (2 2pt), Paddy Small (1 2pt), Colm Basquel (1 2pt), and Cormac Costello (2fs) 0-4 each, Eoin Kennedy and Seán Guiden 0-1 each.

Scorers for Galway: Rob Finnerty 0-6 (2 2pt, 1f), Céin D'Arcy 0-4 (1 2pt), John Maher 1-0, Kieran Molloy 0-3, Finnian Ó Laoi, Dylan McHugh, and Paul Conroy (2pt) 0-2 each, Cillian McDaid and Shane Walsh 0-1 each.

Dublin: Evan Comerford; Seán MacMahon, Eoin Kennedy, David Byrne; Lee Gannon, Theo Clancy, Charlie McMorrow; Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Brian Howard; Paddy Small, Ciarán Kilkenny, Niall Scully; Colm Basquel, Con O'Callaghan, Cormac Costello.

Subs: Seán Bugler for Costello (48), Josh Bannon for MacMahon (55), Tim Deering for Kennedy (59), Seán Giden for Small (65), Liam Smith for McMorrow (69).

Galway: Connor Gleeson; Jack Glynn, Cian Hernon, Liam Silke; Dylan McHugh, John Daly, Kieran Molloy; Paul Conroy, John Maher; Céin D'Arcy, Finnian Ó Laoi, Cillian McDaid; Rob Finnerty, Matthew Tierney, Shane Walsh.

Subs: Damien Comer for McDaid (47), Johnny McGrath for Glynn (60-64), Seán Ó Maoilchiaráin for Molloy (61), Shane McGrath for Ó Laoi (65), Johnny McGrath for Conroy (67).

Referee: David Gough (Meath).

By Cian O'Connell at Croke Park