Dublin Claim O’Byrne Cup Title With Win Over Laois

Dublin are O’Byrne Cup Champions for 2022, following victory over Laois in the decider on Saturday afternoon.

An even tie for much of the contest, Dublin pulled clear in the final quarter to seal a 5-point win at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow.

A Seán Bugler goal gave Dessie Farrell’s side the perfect start- the St Oliver Plunkett/ Eoghan Ruadh man hitting the net with the first score of the game after 4 minutes.

Lovely move & finish from Seán Bugler for Dublin’s goal #UpTheDubs pic.twitter.com/VSOyutbv3f

— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) January 22, 2022

That goal was immediately followed up by a Harry Ladd point, but four points in-a-row meant Laois were level by the first water break.

Aaron Byrne and Ciarán Kilkenny added further points after the restart, but Dublin suffered a blow on the 30 minute mark, with John Small red-carded.

Despite that, a Cormac Costello free and a good score from Ross McGarry ensured Dublin went in ahead at half time- 1-05 to 0-06.

A tight third quarter saw the sides shoot two points-apiece- Dublin’s second coming from a superb mark from the impressive Lee Gannon.

Dessie Farrell began emptying his bench late on and Lorcan O’Dell, Warren Egan, Killian McGinnis and Robert Shaw all saw game time in the closing stages, alongside half-time substitute Niall Scully.

Those fresh legs helped Dublin as they finished the game strongly, outscoring Laois by six points to three in the final 20 minutes.

Costello and Aaron Byrne pushed Dublin clear, before excellent scores from Brian Fenton and Kilkenny sealed the victory.

Dublin’s focus now switches to the Allianz Football League, with an opening round tie against Armagh next Saturday evening at Croke Park.

Dublin scorers: Seán Bugler 1-00, Cormac Costello 0-02 (0-01 f), Aaron Byrne, Ciarán Kilkenny, Ross McGarry, Brian Fenton all 0-02, Harry Ladd, Tom Lahiff both 0-01, Lee Gannon 0-01 (mark).

Dublin Team: Michael Shiel, Lee Gannon, David Byrne, Eoin Murchan, Tom Lahiff, John Small, Kieran Kennedy, Brian Fenton, Cameron McCormack, Seán Bugler, Ciarán Kilkenny, Ross McGarry, Cormac Costello, Harry Ladd, Aaron Byrne.

Dublin Substitutions: Niall Scully for Harry Ladd (HT), Lorcan O’Dell for Cameron McCormack (52 mins), Warren Egan for Ross McGarry (58 mins), Killian McGinnis for Cormac Costello (68 mins), Robert Shaw for Aaron Byrne (72 mins).

Red card: John Small (30 mins)