Senior footballers crowned Leinster champions

LEINSTER SFC FINAL

DUBLIN 0-20 KILDARE 1-9

Dublin secured their 11th Leinster SFC title in a row when defeating neighbours Kildare in Sunday's provincial decider at Croke Park.

In the aftermath of Dublin's low-key semi-final victory over Meath, Dublin manager Dessie Farrell said his side needed to show greater consistency of performance over the four quarters - they achieved this on their way to winning the county's 60th Leinster title overall.

Dublin led by four at the half-time break, 0-9 to 0-5, before their third quarter put them on the way to victory when outscoring their rivals 0-6 to 0-3.

Ciarán Kilkenny took centre stage in this period and kicked two good points, one of either foot, with other scores from Dean Rock (free), Niall Scully (two, one mark) and Paddy Small.

At the back Dublin looked secure as Kildare dropped extra man back into defence which saw Dublin play keep-ball for long passages at times.

Dublin had moved 0-16 to 0-8 clear before Daniel Flynn struck for the only goal of the game i nthe 62nd minute. He robbed James McCarthy of possession before angling on goal, brushed off the challenge of Jonny Cooper before picking his spot.

However, Dublin quickly responded with a Ciarán Kilkenny mark, making a great fetch off a dropping ball from Niall Scully.

Cormac Costello tagged on two points to propel his side into a 0-19 to 1-8 lead.

Sub Collie Basquel had the ball in the Kildare net in the third minute of added time, using his strength to good effect, but was deemed to have over-stepped before firing to the roof of the net.

In the final minute Collie and his older brother Ryan worked a one-two for Ryan to complete Dublin's scoring as they set up an All-Ireland SFC final against Mayo on Saturday, August 14 in Croke Park (6.0).

Check out the match highlights, as our Senior Footballers beat Kildare in the Leinster Final pic.twitter.com/bFL4DWs0Tk

— Dublin GAA (@DubGAAOfficial) August 1, 2021

After a cagey opening Dublin put in an improved second quarter to lead 0-9 to 0-5 at half-time after they had been one point in front (0-5 to 0-4) at the first water break.

When Dublin moved the ball with pace and precision they found opportunities in the Lilywhite defence.

Dean Rock fisted over in the 23rd minute, the first score of the second quarter, after Cormac Costello's low ball into the danger area was won and laid off by Paddy Small.

Jimmy Hyland kicked an impressive point for Kildare but they failed to score again in the opening 35 minutes.

Dublin closed out the half with points from Dean Rock, a 30-metre free following a foul on Paddy Small with Cormac Costello, off his left that got the green flag from Hawk-eye, and Con O'Callaghan to carry a four-point advantage into the interval.

Earlier in the half it had been score for score. Jimmy Hyland opened the scoring for Kildare in the third minute.

Dean Rock scored Dublin's first, a free from 30 metres, following a foul on Ciarán Kilkenny.

The Ballymun Kickhams man then slotted one from play at the end of a quickfire move instigated by an Evan Comerford kickout and moved on by James McCarthy and Cormac Costello.

A Daniel Flynn mark made it 0-3 all before good movement by Dublin led to Cormac Costello, again off his left, and James McCarthy, following good work by Niall Scully and Costello, moved Dublin 0-5 to 0-3.

A Jimmy Hyland free made it 0-5 to 0-4 at the first water stoppage.

SCORERS - Dublin: D Rock 0-5 (0-3f), C Costello, C Kilkenny (0-1m) 0-4 each, N Scully 0-2 (0-1m), J McCarthy, C O'Callaghan, P Small, B Howard, R Basquel 0-1 each. Kildare: D Flynn 1-2 (0-1m), J Hyland 0-4 (0-2f), N Flynn, A Beirne, B McLoughlin 0-1 each.

DUBLIN: E Comerford; M Fitzsimons, D Byrne, S MacMahon; B Howard, J Cooper, J Small; J McCarthy, B Fenton; P Small, C Kilkenny, N Scully; C Costello, C O'Callaghan, D Rock. Subs: E Murchan for J Small (temp 41/ft); C Basquel for Rock (54), S Bugler for P Small (61), T Lahiff for Cooper (69), R Basquel for O'Callaghan (70+1), E Ó Conghaile for Kilkenny (70+3).

KILDARE: M Donnellan; M Dempsey, M O'Grady, D Malone; D Hyland, R Houlihan, K Flynn; L Flynn, A Masterson; S Ryan, B McCormack, F Conway, N Flynn, D Flynn, J Hyland. Subs: A Beirne for Conway (45), N Kelly for Houlihan (45), D Kirwan for Hyland (58), B McLoughlin for N Flynn (62), S O'Sullivan for McCormack (64).

REF: M McNally (Monaghan).