Dean Rock runs down the Hogan Stand tunnel following Dublin's All-Ireland SFC Final success at Croke Park. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
By Cian O'Connell
When an insurance point needed to be registered at the end of a ferocious battle, Dean Rock obliged.
Dublin led by the minimum before Rock converted a free into an adoring Hill 16. Referee David Gough blasted the full-time whistle seconds later. Kerry were beaten by Dublin with Rock acknowledging the importance of remaining patient.
“That’s the thing you train for, that keeps you going throughout the year, that you know you’re going to get an opportunity at some stage,” Rock says.
“And that’s what I’ve done in the last three games, I’ve been ready and whatever, scored 1-3 in those games. So you’re just trying to do what you can for the group, because you’re born with one family and then with life and experiences, particularly sport, you grow another family.
“And that’s what it feels like for me. And that’s why it was massive for Dublin GAA, as a whole, to win one more, particularly with that group of players that we have.”
An emerging collection of footballers gained valuable experience in recent years according to the prolific Ballymun Kickhams attacker. “It’s now the likes of Paddy Small, Seán Bugler, Evan Comerford, Lee Gannon – it’s their team now,” Rock says. “Myself, James, Fento (Brian Fenton), Ciarán (Kilkenny), we’re hanging on their coattails now.
“So it’s up to them now to go on. They’ve experienced it now and, from my experience, when you get a taste of it, you don’t ever want to let it go again. So it’s probably a warning for the rest of the country that those boys in there are very hungry, and ready to kick on again. So another six-in-a-row hopefully.”
James McCarthy and Dean Rock before the All-Ireland SFC Final at Croke Park on Sunday. Photo by Eóin Noonan/Sportsfile
Rock will marry his partner, Niamh McEvoy, who has also served Dublin football teams with distinction, on Friday week. A decision about his inter-county future will be made shortly. “Look, the beauty of it now with the season is it probably only takes up maybe six months of your year,” he says.
“Although it’s very intense and demanding at that time, you do have a bit more time for the family and different things as well.
“So, look, you just go back to the club and see what happens with the club championship. There could be a lot of celebrations to be done between now and then, but we’ll try and get back with the club the next couple of weeks and make a decision then.
“But yeah, to be honest, it probably would be my last act in that kick. So yeah, not everyone gets to go out on those terms.”
Rock was eager to contribute in 2023 so clipping a vital score in the decider mattered deeply. “It’s a nice moment,” he says. “It’s a totally different season this year for me in terms of being in and out of the team – but you have to accept it and that’s the way it is.
“Ultimately, that probably could be my last act playing for Dublin, so it’s certainly a nice way to go out. And my daughter’s first birthday as well today, so I was in a totally different place this time last year.
“Sadie was on the pitch - it was special. But look, I’m 33 now, had a fantastic career. We won’t write it off yet, but, yeah, it could be the last.”
