February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
By Mark Jones
DUBLIN — Dublin edged closer to their first trophy in four years when they were too strong for Armagh, winning 1-14 to 0-12 in last Sunday’s National Football League semifinal replay at Croke Park. The Dubs now go on to meet Cork in the final at Pairc Ui Chaoimh this weekend.
Playing some fast and direct football, this was a highly promising performance by the winners especially during the second half, when they ripped holes in the Armagh defense.
The Ulster side were hit with a hammer blow as early as the 12th minute when their best forward, Diarmuid Marsden, was forced to limp off. Marsden now may be doubtful for the Ulster championship game against Donegal.
They only trailed by a point at the break as Dublin were guilty of some sloppy shooting, but once Dessie Farrell, Jim Gavin and Brian Stynes got into their stride, the result was never in any doubt.
Backed up by a powerful Ciaran Whelan at midfield, Dublin drove forward at every opportunity and appropriately, it was Whelan himself who got on the end of Farrell’s accurate cross in the 32nd minute to prod the ball home.
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That set the tone and with Armagh struggling to contain a series of pacey attacks, Dublin exuded confidence as they strolled to victory.
Munster 0-10, Connacht 0-7
Munster goalkeeper Declan O’Keeffe deprived Connacht of a first Railway Cup football title in 30 years with several stunning saves in last Sunday’s final at Tuam.
As it turned out, O’Keeffe’s heroics — the Kerryman blocked five goalbound shots — enabled Munster to end a 17 year losing sequence in the competition.
Seamus Moynihan and Sean Og O hAilpin were also impressive for the winners.