Dublin Senior Footballers Suffer League Defeat To Mayo

Sun, 20th February 2022

Dublin 0-12

Mayo 2-11

Dublin’s Senior Footballers fell to defeat against Mayo in the Allianz Football League at Croke Park on Saturday evening.

Two first half goals- from Jack Carney and Aiden Orme- proved to be the difference, as the Connacht men left Dublin with a 5-point victory.

Mayo took an early two-point lead, but scores from Seán Bugler and Ciarán Kilkenny quickly levelled matters, before a Dean Rock brace of frees pushed Dublin ahead.

It was an even contest early on as the sides traded scores and a well taken mark from Ciarán Kilkenny edged Dublin ahead again by the 19^th minute.

But Jack Carney’s goal moments later- coming after his effort hit the post before rebounding off the unfortunate Evan Comerford and trickling over the line- put the visitors in control on the scoreboard.

Dublin responded well and scores from the impressive Ross McGarry and Dean Rock levelled matters again, before Mayo struck for their second goal- an Aiden Orme palm to the net.

That helped the visitors to a 2-06 to 0-09 lead at the break.

Dessie Farrell brought on reinforcements from the bench in the second half and substitute Lorcan O’Dell almost grabbed a goal just minutes after coming on- his effort pushed over the bar by Rob Hennelly in the Mayo goal.

There was also the welcome sight of a return to action for Jonny Cooper from the bench, while Alex Wright, Cian Murphy and Harry Ladd also saw game time.

However Dublin struggled to close the deficit in the second half, with several scoring opportunities going awry.

Dean Rock and John Small both added points in the final quarter. It wasn’t enough, however, as Mayo sealed a five-point victory.

Next up for Dublin is a trip to Newbridge to take on Kildare next Sunday afternoon.

Scorers for Dublin: Dean Rock 0-04 (0-04f), Ciarán Kilkenny 0-03 (0-01 mark), Ross McGarry 0-02 (0-01 mark), Seán Bugler 0-01, John Small 0-01, Lorcan O'Dell 0-01.

Scorers for Mayo: Aiden Orme 1-01, Jack Carney 1-00, Matthew Ruane 0-02, Michael Plunkett 0-02, Diarmuid O'Connor 0-02, Rob Hennelly 0-02 (0-01 ’45, 0-01f), Bryan Walsh 0-01, Oisin Mullin 0-01.

Dublin: Evan Comerford, Michael Fitzsimons, Sean MacMahon, David Byrne, Lee Gannon, John Small, Tom Lahiff, Brian Fenton, Brian Howard, Seán Bugler, Niall Scully, Ryan Basquel, Ross McGarry, Ciarán Kilkenny, Dean Rock.

Subs: Lorcan O'Dell for McGarry (38 mins), Jonny Cooper for Basquel (49 mins), Alex Wright for Howard (64 mins), Cian Murphy for Gannon (64 mins), Harry Ladd for Scully (71 mins).

Mayo: Rob Hennelly, Lee Keegan, Rory Brickenden, Michael Plunkett, Oisin Mullin, Stephen Coen, Donnacha McHugh, Matthew Ruane, Jordan Flynn, Bryan Walsh, Diarmuid O'Connor, Jack Carney, Paul Towey, Ryan O'Donoghue, Aiden Orme.

Subs: Kevin McLoughlin for Carney (49 mins), Conor Loftus for Towey (49 mins), Enda Hession for Mullin (60 mins), Aidan O'Shea for Ruane (62 mins), Fergal Boland for O'Donoghue (65 mins), Eoghan McLaughlin for Plunkett (72 mins).