Tue, 8th October 2024
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The U20 footballers of Dublin and Galway eventually meet in their All-Ireland final this Saturday in Croke Park (2.15) - the curtain-raiser to the SFC final.
It has been a long road for the young players in both camps with Tom Gray's Dublin side originally getting their Championship campaign underway on February 8 when they defeated Wicklow in Aughrim.
Further victories in Leinster over Longford, Meath and Laois (in the provincial decider) saw Dublin claim Leinster honours by early March.
The All-Ireland semi-finals were initially scheduled for St Patrick's Day in Croke Park but the Covid-19 pandemic forced the competition into lockdown.
The campaign resumed with an All-Ireland semi-final victory over Tyrone on October 17 before the games were once again halted at this grade.
Here we look back on Dublin's games on their journey to Croke Park this weekend.
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LEINSTER U20FC FIRST ROUND
DUBLIN 1-17 WICKLOW 1-7
Dublin’s under-20 footballers got their Leinster Championship campaign off to a winning start when defeating Wicklow by ten points at Joule Park, Aughrim.
The boys in blue laid the platform in the first half when they quickly recovered from conceding an early goal before concluding the half in dominant fashion to lead by three points at the break.
Dublin also finished the game on top as they scored the last six points despite suffering black cards to Pádraig Purcell and Ciarán Archer in the 54th and 55th minute respectively.
Second half sub Pádraig Purcell had two points to his name before trooping off.
Dublin extended their half-time advantage of 1-8 to 1-5 with points from Ciarán Archer, Alan Murphy and Pádraig Purcell on the restart as Wicklow only managed two second half points, both from Matthew Ging.
Dublin led 1-11 to 1-7 with ten minutes, plus six added, to play and they finished strongly with points from Purcell, a fine Luke Swan effort, Kieran McKeon, Rory Dwyer, Swan (free) and sub Ciarán O’Reilly.
Wicklow, backed by the strong wind, made a dream start with an Eoin Darcy goal in the three minute but Dublin replied shortly after with Adam Fearon raising a green flag.
Points from Kevin Quinn, James Hedderman and Eoghan Byrne saw the hosts move three points clear but Dublin improved as the half progressed.
Points from Mark Lavin and Ciarán Archer cut the gap to one before Johnny Keogh responded for Wicklow.
An excellent Seán Foran point was followed by another by Ciarán Archer to bring the sides level, 1-4 each, by the 12th minute.
Eoin Darcy’s successful ‘45’ put Wicklow back in front before Dublin closed out the half with points from Ciarán Archer (free), Lorcan O’Dell, Luke Swan and Kieran McKeon to lead 1-8 to 1-5 at the interval.
SCORERS – Dublin: C Archer 0-4 (0-1f), L Swan 0-3 (0-1f), A Fearon 1-0, K McKeon, P Purcell 0-2 each, M Lavin, S Foran, L O’Dell, A Murphy, R Dwyer, C O’Reilly 0-1 each. Wicklow: E Darcy 1-1 (0-1 ‘45’), M Ging 0-2, K Quinn, J Hedderman, E Byrne, J Keogh 0-1 each.
DUBLIN: J O’Neill; A Murphy, A Rafter, J Bannon; R Dwyer, A Waddick, A Fearon; K McGinnis, E Caulfield; M Lavin, L O’Dell, S Foran; C Archer, L Swan, K McKeon. Subs: A Quinn for Fearon (24), P Purcell for Foran (38), C O’Reilly for McKeon (56), L Murphy-Guinane for Lavin (58), S O’Byrne-Braiden for O’Dell (63).
WICKLOW: W Rodgers; T Moran, C O Gallobhair, C McDonald; Z Cullen, P O’Keane, G Fogarty; K Quinn, E Byrne; J Hedderman, O McGraynor, A Maher; M Ging, E Darcy, J Keogh. Subs: C Coffey for Hedderman (ht), S Daly for McGraynor (49), P Murray for Maher (49), C Maguire for Coffey (58), J Dunne for Quinn (58).
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LEINSTER U20FC QUARTER-FINAL
DUBLIN 3-10 LONGFORD 0-9
Two late goals saw Dublin to victory in this EirGrid Leinster U20FC quarter-final at Parnell Park on Saturday.
Goals from Ciarán Archer (56th minute) and sub Conor Kinsella (61st minute) saw Tom Gray’s men advance to a provincial semi-final.
Archer was in the right place at the right time to fire to the net after Pádraig Purcell was twice denied by Longford keeper Eoin McGuinness.
Five minutes later Kinsella made no mistake to crack home Dublin's third goal.
There was little between the sides throughout before Longford were reduced to 14 men following the sending off (yellow/black card) of Aidan McGuire.
Dublin led 1-8 to 0-7 at that stage and over the conclusion turned their numerical superiority to the advantage, following the 47th minute sending off of Longford's Aidan McGuire, to set up a last-four clash with Meath.
After the sides were on level terms (1-3 to 0-6) at the break Dublin restarted impressively with five points in a row.
Killian McGinnis, Kieran McKeon, Lorcan O’Dell off his left, Ciarán Archer (free) and sub Pádraig Purcell were all on target to propel the Dubs into a 1-8 to 0-6 lead.
After starting the half on top they also finished in style with those two goals as well as scores from Luke Murphy-Guinane and an Archer free to run out ten-point victors.
The sides were level, 1-3 to 0-6, at the break with Longford closing out the half on top with three unanswered points.
Played in very difficult conditions Dublin settled first with points from influential midfielder Evan Caulfield and Ciarán Archer opening up a 0-2 to 0-0 lead.
Dylan Farrell opened Longford’s account in the fifth minute before Lorcan O’Dell goaled for the Dubs, after being placed by Seán Foran, in the ninth minute.
However, Longford responded with frees from Oran Kenny and Dylan Farrell to make it 1-2 to 0-3 by the 15th minute.
Ciarán Archer’s converted free in the 16th minute proved to be Dublin’s last score of the half and the loss of Killian McGinnis to a black card two minutes later left the hosts at a numerical disadvantage.
By the break Longford had reeled in their opponents with points from Oran Kenny (free), Eoghan McCormack and Dario Ciglianio to get on level terms.
SCORERS – Dublin: C Archer 1-4 (0-3f), L O’Dell 1-1, C Kinsella 1-0, E Caulfield, K McGinnis, K McKeon, P Purcell, L Murphy-Guinane 0-1 each. Longford: D Farrell (0-2f), O Kenny (0-3f) 0-3 each, E McCormack, D Ciglianio, A Farrell 0-1 each.
DUBLIN: J O’Neill; J Bannon, A Rafter, A Murphy; R Dwyer, A Waddick, L Gannon; K McGinnis, E Caulfield; M Lavin, L O’Dell, S Foran; C Archer, L Swan, K McKeon. Subs: P Purcell for McKeon (36), L Murphy-Guinane for Foran (52), C Tyrell for Murphy (55), A Quinn for Bannon (59), C Kinsella for Gannon (61).
LONGFORD: E McGuinness; S O’Sullivan, D Ciglianio, J Moran; D Glancy, J Kajan, E McCormack; T McNevin, E Finneran; C Ó Nualláin, K Gilmore, D Farrell; J Hagan, A McGuire, O Kenny. Subs: D Moffett for Ó Nualláin (40), A Farrell for Finneran (43), J Donnelly for Kajan (46), N Finneran for McCormack (52).
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LEINSTER U20FC SEMI-FINAL
DUBLIN 2-14 MEATH 0-7
Dublin under-20 footballers progressed to the Leinster U20FC final following this comprehensive provincial semi-final victory over Meath at Parnell Park.
The Dubs laid the platform for the victory in the opening half as they led 1-8 to 0-3 at the half-time interval having played with the elements.
Dublin's work-rate did not relent in the second period as they ran out comfortable 13-point victors and set up a Leinster final against Laois.
The Royal County's quest was hindered by the non selection of senior footballer Shane Walsh, owing to injury, and in his absence their attack lacked a focal point.
Backed by the wind Dublin started well and were 1-4 to 0-0 ahead inside just eight minutes. Kieran McKeon opened Dublin's account in the second minute before Luke Swan got the first goal in the second minute when he finished Ciarán Archer's angled goal effort to the Meath net.
Points from midfielder Evan Caulfield, who tallied 0-3 from play overall, and Luke Swan gave Dublin an early seven-point advantage.
Meath failed to score from play in the opening half, all their three scores coming from placed ball, while the hard-working Mark Lavin chipped in with two fine points for Dublin towards the close of the opening half.
On the occasions Meath did threaten Dublin's defence stood strong with Rory Dwyer in particular putting in some telling interceptions and dispossessions.
Three minutes into the second half Lorcan O'Dell carved through the middle of the Meath defence before finishing to the net with poise to see his side move 2-8 to 0-3 in front.
Evan Caulfield pointed off his left to extend Dublin's advantage.
At the three-quarter mark Ciarán Archer looked sure to score Dublin's third goal but was denied by Meath keeper Seán Brennan and they had his second attempt saved on the line.
Sub Pádraig Purcell came off the bench in the second period and kicked two points in a lively display as Tom Gray's side ran out winners.
SCORERS – Dublin: L O’Dell 1-2, L Swan 1-1, E Caulfield 0-3, M Lavin, C Archer, K McKeon, P Purcell 0-2 each. Meath: L Mitchell (0-2f) 0-2, L Byrne (0-1 '45'), J Morris (0-1f), D McGow, M Costello, C Rogers 0-1 each.
DUBLIN: J O’Neill; A Murphy, A Rafter, J Bannon; R Dwyer, A Waddick, L Gannon; K McGinnis, E Caulfield; M Lavin, L O’Dell, S Foran; C Archer, L Swan, K McKeon. Subs: P Purcell for Foran (41), A Fearon for Caulfield (48), C Kinsella for Gannon (53), S Braiden O’Byrne for Lavin (53), C Tyrell for Murphy (57).
MEATH: S Brennan; B Wyer, J O’Hare, M Gavin; C Hickey, L Byrne, M Murphy; J Flynn, D McGow; M Costello, A Lynch, J O’Connor; J Morris, L Mitchell, C Rogers. Subs: C Farrelly for Murphy (35), D Keating for Rogers (40), B O’Connell for Lynch (48), P Matthews for O’Connor (53), S Bannon for Gavin (57).
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LEINSTER U20FC FINAL
DUBLIN 0-18 LAOIS 0-8
Dublin secured back-to-back Leinster U20FC titles with this commanding ten-point provincial final victory over Laois at Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow.
The Dubs were slow starting but a string of seven points in-a-row as the opening half developed put Tom Gray’s side on the road to victory.
The O'Moore County opened well with points from Ronan Coffey (two frees) and keeper Matthew Byron who drove over a massive free from 50 metres.
Dublin needed to get going and wing-back Lee Gannon provided the inspiration with a well struck point from 35 metres.
The Whitehall Colmcille clubman followed up with a second point from play in the tenth minute to reduce the gap.
In between one of Dublin's key players on the night, Kieran McKeon, had a goal effort saved by keeper Byron from close range.
A minute later the Dubs were level when Ciarán Archer slotted over from play, the first of his seven points (including deadball), following good direct play from full-forward Luke Swan.
Byron edged Laois back in front before Dublin took control to reel off seven points without reply.
Dublin improved significantly in the middle third, clean possession and breaking ball, and their forward line got a constant supply of possession.
The Laois defence found the dynamic Mark Lavin difficult to slow down and points flowed form Archer ('45'), Lavin, stylishly slicing over with the outside of his right boot, Seán Foran, Archer again (following a foul on Swan), Loran O'Dell, following good work by Lavin and Swan, and two Archer frees to move 0-10 to 0-4 clear.
When attack-minded corner-back Alan Murphy's goal chance glanced off the Laois crossbar Dublin were in full flow and by the half-time break were 0-11 to 0-5 in front, with Archer closing out the scoring with his second successful '45'.
The O’Moore County enjoyed lots of second half possession but the Dublin defence gave nothing away cheaply as their work-rate, intensity and tackle count kept their opponents at arm’s length.
Laois missed a late penalty when Mark Barry pulled his effort wide of Josh O’Neill’s left hand post.
At a key moment Rory Dwyer broke forward for a crucial early point in the second half after Laois had wrestled back the upperhand while sub Conor Kinsella made an immediate impact on his introduction when scoring to make it 0-14 to 0-7 after 48 minutes.
Kieran McKeon kicked three brilliantly struck, clinical points inside the concluding ten minutes to ensure Dublin did not loosen their control of the game on the scoreboard.
SCORERS - Dublin: C Archer 0-7 (0-3f, 0-2 ‘45’), K McKeon 0-4, L Gannon 0-2, M Lavin, S Foran, L O’Dell, R Dwyer, C Kinsella 0-1 each. Laois: R Coffey 0-4 (0-2f), M Byron 0-3 (0-2f, 0-1 ‘45’), J Owens 0-1.
DUBLIN: J O’Neill; A Murphy, A Rafter, J Bannon; R Dwyer, A Waddick, L Gannon; K McGinnis, E Caulfield; M Lavin, L O’Dell, S Foran; C Archer, L Swan, K McKeon. Subs: A Fearon for McGinnis (41), P Purcell for Foran (45), C Kinsella for Bannon (46), S Braiden O'Byrne for O’Dell (55), C Tyrrell for Murphy (61).
LAOIS: M Byron; N Keane, A Mohan, M Dowling; S O’Flynn, G Saunders, Jack Lacey; B Howlin, PJ Daly; D Larkin, J Owens, R Coffey; M Barry, D Galvin, C Slevin. Subs: D Brophy for Howlin (27), S O’Neill for Daly (42), R Bolger for Lacey (47), Josh Lacey for Galvin (51), SM Corcoran for Larkin (55).
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ALL-IRELAND U20FC SEMI-FINAL
DUBLIN 1-14 TYRONE 1-12
A superb last ten minutes saw Dublin's under-20 footballers progress to the All-Ireland U20FC final following this semi-final at Kingspan Breffni Park.
Tyrone led 1-12 to 1-10 as the game moved into the concluding ten minutes but Dublin lifted their game all over the park to slot four decisive points in-a-row.
Ciarán Archer's 51st minute point, following good work by Mark O'Leary, ignited Dublin's winning scoring surge with Lorcan O'Dell bringing the sides level in the 54th minute after being released by the impressive Lee Gannon.
It was a move from defence to attack, resulting in a crucial score, that typified Dublin's mettle late on with sub Rory Dwyer doing well in defence to blunt Tyrone as they made in-roads on goal.
Ciarán Archer's 56th minute score from wide on the right edged Dublin in front (1-13 to 1-12) for the first time since midway through the opening half with Lee Gannon making sure with a point two minutes from the end of normal time.
In the opening the early exchanges were evenly balanced with Tyrone looking dangerous on occasion with good accurate early ball into Darragh Canavan.
Lorcan O'Dell's eighth minute point, off his left, following a long run from the pacey Seán Lowry had brought the sides level.
Dublin struck for the opening goal in the 12th minute when Brian O'Leary was alert to the space in front of the Tyrone goal and accelerated through to take a well-weighted handpass from Luke Swan before placing his finish to the net along the ground.
Six minutes later Tyrone replied with a goal of their own when Tiarnan Quinn put a rebound to the net after Rory Donnelly had originally been foiled by keeper Josh O'Neill.
Dublin were under sustained pressure at this stage with Tyrone creating another goal opportunity but were denied by a brilliant Adam Rafter block.
Points from Ethan Jordan, Darragh Canavan and Jordan again (free) had Tyrone four points clear, 1-7 to 1-3, inside the last five minutes of the opening half.
But Ciarán Archer (free) and an excellent point from play on the turn off his left for the same player, closed the gap before the interval.
Dublin may also have had a goal but Adam Fearon's shot, with players in support, struck the crossbar and was cleared to safety as the Red Hands led 1-7 to 1-5 at half-time.
Nh Maur's man Archer closed the gap to the minimum in the restart with a free following a foul on Brian O'Leary but Ethan Jordan converted two deadball chances for Tyrone to lead by three (1-9 to 1-6).
Importantly Mark Lavin scored two excellent points from difficult angles to the right of the posts and with ten minutes to goal it stood 1-12 to 1-10 in Tyrone's favour.
However, it was Dublin who showed the greater will to win in the final minutes with defence and attack combining in their duties to see Tom Gray's side into the All-Ireland decider for the second year in succession.
SCORERS - Dublin: C Archer 0-6 (0-3f), B O’Leary 1-1, M Lavin 0-3, L O’Dell 0-2, S Lowry, L Gannon 0-1 each. Tyrone: T Quinn 1-3 (0-2f), E Jordan 0-5 (0-3f, 0-1 '45'), D Canavan 0-3 (0-1m), S Garrity 0-1.
DUBLIN: Josh O'Neill; Conor Tyrrell, Adam Rafter, Josh Bannon; Mark O'Leary, Adam Waddick, Lee Gannon; Adam Fearon, Seán Foran; Mark Lavin, Lorcan O'Dell, Seán Lowry; Ciarán Archer, Luke Swan, Brian O'Leary. Subs: Evan Caulfield for Fearon (10-14 blood), Rory Dwyer for Foran (ht), Kieran McKeon for Fearon (42), Pádraig Purcell for Lowry (62).
TYRONE: Lorcan Quinn; Conal Devlin, Cormac Munroe, Cormac Quinn; Antoin Fox, Michael Gallagher, James McCann; Kevin Barker, Rory Donnelly; Tom Donaghy, Tiarnan Quinn, Ethan Jordan; Darragh Canavan, Simon Garrity, Matthew Murnaghan. Subs: Ryan Jones for Donaghy (28), Mark Hayes for Garrity (43), Joe Oguz for Barker (48), Liam Gray for Donnelly (58).
