Dublin Overcome Mayo as New Rules Come to the Fore

In what can be dubbed a cagey affair for the first round of the Allianz Football League, Dublin emerged victorious on a bitter evening at Croke Park.

First Half

The Dubs raced into a four point lead, thanks to an opening point off the boot of Greg McEnaney before St.Judes clubman Kevin Lahiff slammed the ball into the back of the Mayo net. Hill 16 erupted as the Dublin faithful were vying for a trouncing over the Mayo men.

After 15 minutes, Dessie Farrell’s men raced into a 1-6 to 2 point lead thanks to scores from Sean Bugler, Kevin Lahiff and Killian McGinnis. Kevin McStay’s valiant Mayo dug deep in the second quarter and after a flurry of scores, including a Fergal Boland two-pointer and a Conor Reid goal, the Mayo men were ahead on a scoreline of 1-9 to 1-7 after 30 minutes.

The referee’s effort to let the game flow was met with dismay from the Dublin support. A number of debatable calls fed into the atmosphere at half time as the teams headed for the tunnel with Mayo two points to the good.

Murmurs of opinions on the new rules echoed around Croker, with the majority in favour, agreeing that it contributed to the flow. The introduction of the tap and go appears to be a favourite among players and fans a like.

The Second Half

The second half continued at the blistering pace of the first. The role of the goalkeeper cannot be underestimated this season, as both Gavin Sheridan and Colm Reape frequently ventured out of their goals to join the attack. This will certainly be a common theme throughout the year as a result of the new 3v3 rule.

Dublin started the second half much like the first, kicking three points and racing into a one point lead as the Hill found its voice and the bodhran was beat as battle began. Following an exchange of points and the introduction of re-enforcements, the sides were level at 1-13 a piece as Greg McEnaney pointed for his second of the evening.

James Madden and Brian O’Leary were replaced by Tom Lahiff and Luke Breathnach for the Boys in Blue, whilst Davitt Neary replaced Paul Towey for the Connacht side. Madden’s fitness from his time in the AFL was prominent throughout as he raced up and down the hallowed turf with ease tonight and could prove to be a crucial cog in Dessie’s plans this year.

Mayo, spearheaded by Ryan O’Donoghue and Fergal Boland were chipping away at the scoreboard as the game headed towards the Final Furlong. Bugler and Breathnach pointed to give the Dubs a slender 2 point lead with ten to go. McStay continued to empty the bench as the game began to slip, introducing Bob Tuohy and Sean Moahan.

Ballinteer man Breathnach kicked another point as Bugler kicked his seventh of the evening to claim two points for the Dubs as Darren Mchale was failed to keep his last ditch goal effort beneath the crossbar.

A competitive game in HQ as 24,000 fans endured an exhibition of point kicking with Fergal Boland kicking the games only two pointer. Kevin Lahiff, James Madden and man of the Match Sean Bugler impressed for Dublin, whilst Ryan O’Donoghue, Conor Reid and goalkeeper Colm Reape were bright for Mayo.

A trip to face Donegal in Ballybofey awaits the Dubs while Mayo face Galway at MacHale Park