Dublin cruise past Offaly and into Leinster final

Goals from Con O'Callaghan, Niall Scully and Colm Basquel helped Dublin secure an expectedly comfortable 3-22 to 0-11 win over Offaly in their Leinster Senior Football Championship semi-final at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon.

In doing so, the Dubs advanced to their 14th successive provincial decider where they will meet Louth in a fortnight’s time in a repeat of last year’s final and while the winning margin reflected their general control over the duration, this was far from the perfect showing by the holders.

Too often for Dessie Farrell’s liking, Dublin failed to pick the right option, particularly in front of goal, with the forward line lacking its customary cohesion and fluidity.

Granted, there was an impressive efficiency to Dublin’s attacking play initially with Paul Mannion opening the scoring in the third minute with a trademark strike from distance.

The Faithful enjoyed some possession in enemy territory but failed to avail of the limited chances that came their way as the Dubs doubled the lead through a smart turn and shot from Con O’Callaghan.

The aforementioned duo looked especially bright in the Dublin attack and they both added points from play by the 13th minute to extend their side’s lead to four points.

Offaly were in dire need of some inspiration at this stage and it duly arrived through full-forward Keith O’Neill, who jinked and shimmied his way clear before splitting the posts with the outside of his boot.

Indeed, O’Neill added another score from a 'mark’ at the start of the second quarter but most of his positive work was undone in an instant as Mannion unselfishly played in O’Callaghan for a ruthless finish across Ian Duffy from eight yards.

That Dublin failed to raise another green flag by the end of the