By Cian O’Connell

Ultimately the final 3-18 to 3-11 scoreline didn’t tell the full tale because a compelling game went the distance. Dublin survived.

Jim Gavin’s first year in charge of the capital team brought all sorts of interesting possibilities. In 2011 Dublin had returned to the top of the pile, but a semi-final defeat to Mayo in the following campaign brought worry.

Westmeath, Kildare, and a gutsy Meath were beaten with the minimum of fuss in Leinster and then Gavin's outfit proved too strong for Cork. The next challenge, though, was Kerry.

Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s charges arrived at GAA headquarters loaded with intent and a splendid first half from the Kingdom was reflected in a 3-5 to 1-9 lead.

Dublin’s credentials were being examined, but Gavin’s charges found a way. It was a time when Dublin’s depth was lauded, perfectly illustrated by the goalscoring contributions from substitutes Eoghan O’Gara and Kevin McManamon.

To prove Dublin’s strength Philly McMahon, Denis Bastick, and Dean Rock were the other substitutes used during a thrilling encounter which was decided by a late blue burst of brilliance.

“It was a great game, two teams that really believed they could win and they showed that in the way they played football in the way we believe — and Kerry believe — it’s meant to be played,” Gavin reflected in the immediate aftermath.

“Both teams really went at it and it could have went either way at the end. It was a great contest and we’re happy we’re into the final.”

It was a Kerry outfit sprinkled with class. The O Sé’s were still going strong, while Paul Galvin, Com Cooper, Declan O’Sullivan and the emerging James O’Donoghue were others in decent form.

Despite the crushing pressure being exerted by the Green and Gold, Gavin was satisfied that Dublin remained cool.

“There’s great resolve and determination and willingness never to quit in this team,” Gavin stated.

“Certainly when we got down to the final quarter we had great belief in ourselves and our ability. And we knew they were going to keep going strong.

“They kept the intensity of the game up at a great level throughout the entire 70 minutes. And it’s a credit to them for doing that against a Kerry side who really threw everything at us.

“As I say it could have gone either way, but we’re happy to get out of here with the result.”

For Kerry the regrets and sense an opportunity was missed lingered in the Drumcondra air. Eamonn Fitzmaurice had them primed for a battle, but it wasn’t sufficient. That was chiefly because of Dublin’s dynamism.

“I don’t think we played as well as we could have to be honest,” Fitzmaurice remarked. “When I look back at it, in the first half in particular, we had turnovers where we had the wrong kick-pass or turned over possession and Dublin punished us severely on those. They got a lot of scores off them.

“You’re always going to make mistakes but in terms of effort, you couldn’t have asked more of the lads. You couldn’t have asked more of the lads all year. They have been unbelievable with their application.

“Every single thing that we’ve asked them to do, they’ve done it for us. I couldn’t have asked any more out of the lads but it just wasn’t good enough.”

It also meant that Kerry wouldn’t end the year armed with the piece of silverware that is always craved. Any time that occurs Kerry hurt.

“We didn’t win the Sam Maguire and you know the way that’s going to be looked at in the south-west,” Fitzmaurice acknowledged.

“I enjoyed the year, I enjoyed working with the lads. I couldn’t have asked for more from the group: the respect they gave us, how they responded as a group the minute we came in. Nothing was questioned, everything was done, and it was phenomenal.

“I just had a feeling all summer that it was a year you could win an All-Ireland. I know none of ye gave us much of a chance, but we felt very differently about it. I just had a feeling all summer, but I was proven wrong and we came up short.”

Following the chaotic encounter Gavin remained composed and calculated. Though Dublin trailed at the interval against Kerry’s thoughtful approach, a victory was still attained. Panic wasn’t an option.

“We look at the game over the full 70 minutes so whether you’re up or down at half-time, it doesn’t really matter,” was Gavin’s appraisal. “It’s when the final whistle is blown, that’s when you have to be ahead.

“The team have shown great character, resolve, determination and a willingness never to quit. That was manifest.

“There were serious questions asked by Kerry and I think they answered most of them.”

In the Gavin era Dublin simply passed so many tests. This was one of the most demanding.