One for Dalkey Archives as Cuala claim football first with win over powerful neighbours Kilmacud

Cuala 0-14 Kilmacud Crokes 1-10

An Eoin Kennedy score deep into injury-time saw Cuala edge their southside rivals Kilmacud Crokes by the slimmest of margins in their absorbing Go-Ahead Ireland Dublin football final at Parnell Park.

In doing so, the Dalkey outfit secured their first ever county title and they were full value for their victory, irrespective of the tightness on the final scoreboard.

With time running out and a replay a distinct possibility, Kennedy popped up with the match-winning score in the fifth minute of injury-time, handing Cuala a narrow but ultimately deserved victory.

Such an eventuality looked unlikely ten minutes previously with momentum swinging Kilmacud's way following a 55th minute goal by Luke Ward and the immediate dismissal of Con O’Callaghan following an off-the-ball coming together with Crokes goalkeeper Devon Burns.

Admittedly, Kilmacud faced a difficult breeze in the opening half but irrespective of the elements, they looked a pale shadow of their disciplined and ruthless best, in addition to lacking the intensity of their opponents.

In contrast, Cuala belied their underdog status with a dominant first-half performance, showing few signs of nerves and crucially avoiding any glaring errors that could undermine their challenge.

A brilliant Charlie McMorrow point helped settle them within 30 seconds and while Hugh Kenny replied for Crokes three minutes later, it proved an isolated moment of encouragement for the holders.

Further points arrived for Cuala through the unlikely sources of Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne and Michael Fitzsimons as the Dalkey outfit finished the first quarter with a two-point advantage.

Con O’Callaghan and an inspired Fitzsimons added to their tally and the margin was enhanced