Dublin hold on as Mayo’s hearts broken again

Stephen Cluxton gets his hands on Sam Maguire (Credit: Dublin County Board)

Dublin have defeated Connacht champions Mayo to become All Ireland Champions for the 24th time.

Jim Gavin’s side beat Mayo on a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-14 in Croke Park on Sunday last. The win marks the end of a phenomenal first year in charge for manager Jim Gavin, claiming the National League, Leinster and the All-Ireland titles.

The Mayo faithful traveled in droves to Croke Park in the hope of claiming a first All-Ireland title in 62 years. The men from the West put on an impressive display and fought til’ the last but ultimately came up short against a deserving Dublin side.

It was Mayo who made the better start to the game, leading by four points to one after 15 minutes thanks to points from Lee Keegan, Cillian O’Connor and Captain Andy Moran. It wasn’t long, however, before Dublin’s go-to man up front, Bernard Brogan, stepped up with a fisted goal after a long ball in from Paul Flynn. Mayo suddenly found themselves level with the Dubs, despite having dominated most of the first quarter. Mayo recorded another point and by half time the score board read Mayo 0-8, Dublin 1-4.

The Dub’s stepped up the tempo in the second half, drawing level early on and maintaining a steady lead throughout the 35 minutes. The Boys in Blue led by three points before Mayo marksman, Andy Moran, found the net to level up the game for a second time.

Man of the match, Bernard Brogan, once again dug the Dubs out of a hole with another fisted goal from an on-point pass from Denis Bastick.

Jim Gavin’s 20 man game mantra was certainly significant in this hugely physical final. Gavin and his backroom team had made all five changes by the 55th minute, leaving them with no option of replacing injured players in the final quarter. Dublin were effectively playing with thirteen men for much of the last ten minutes with Eoghan O’Gara and Rory O’Carroll picking up injuries that kept them from having any real part to play.

Mayo threatened in the final quarter but lacked the leadership to push on and get the winning scores. Dublin saw the game out and won by a point in this close final.

Mayo once again head back West wondering where it all went wrong.