A stunned Hill 16 watched as Stephen Cluxton emerged from the Hogan Stand tunnel as Dublin gain promotion
Dublin 0-16 Louth 1-06
Allianz National Football League Division 2
Croke Park, Dublin
While the news this evening should really be about Dublin beating Louth to secure promotion back to Division 1 of the Allianz Football League next year, our attention was distracted by probably the best kept secret in Dublin GAA history. As the Dublin Senior Panel emerged from the tunnel under the Hogan Stand this afternoon it became apparent that a certain Parnell’s clubman and multi All Ireland winning captain had rehoined the ranks.
Never before has a substitute keeper for any gaelic football panel received such a resounding roar. But for Stephen Cluxton, it was truly deserved considering he’s not been seen in a Dublin jersey since 2020. And no Dublin supporter ever expected to see him run onto the Croke Park surface again, let alone today. Now down to business.
Dublin and Derry Promoted to Division 1
Dublin’s stay in Division 2 today became the shortest stay possible as they secured promotion back to the top flight with a win against a feisty Louth side under the whip of Mickey Harte. Despite a very close opening half, five unanswered scores on the restart all but secured the win for Dessie Farrell’s men.
Louth performed as they have done for the entire league campaign making things difficult for Dublin. But with the absence of Sam Mulroy they weren’t as effective in front of the posts incluing two squandered early attempts by Ryan Burns. But they continually upset any Dublin momentum to stay close. They lost Killian O’Gara on 24 minutes but Paddy Small was an appropriate replacement. Con O’Callaghan and James McCarthy added scores to push Dublin 2 ahead but Ciaran Downey responded to end the half on 0-05 to 0-04.
Louth were kept quiet on the restart as Brian Fenton started a five point run for Dublin. But the run was soon interrupted as Liam Jackson fired the ball low past David O’Hanlon to register a goal for Louth.
Cormac Costello hit a brace of scores, while Dean Rock and the returning Paul Mannion were introduced and both sent scores over to see Dublin ease to victory. Division 1 football beckons, but the Championship will be the focus after the Division 2 final.
Scorers for Dublin:
Colm Basquel 0-03
Cormac Costello 0-02 (1f)
Seán Bugler 0-02
Dean Rock (1 ’45)
Paul Mannion 0-01
James McCarthy 0-01
Con O’Callaghan 0-01
Paddy Small 0-01
Brian Fenton 0-01
Lorcan O’Dell 0-01
Daire Newcombe 0-01
Killian O’Gara 0-01
Scorers for Louth:
Liam Jackson 1-01
Ciarán Downey 0-03 (2f)
James Califf 0-01 (1f)
Dáire McConnon 0-01
Dublin:
1. David O’Hanlon
2. Daire Newcombe
3. David Byrne
4. Michael Fitzsimons
5. James McCarthy
6. John Small
7. Lee Gannon
8. Brian Fenton
22. Eoin Murchan
10. Ciaran Kilkenny
11. Con O’Callaghan
12. Seán Bugler
13. Cormac Costello
17. Colm Basquel
15. Killian O’Gara
Dublin Substitutes:
26. Paddy Small for O’Gara (24)
9. Tom Lahiff for Murchan (HT)
24. Paul Mannion for Basquel (53)
25. Lorcan O’Dell for Costello (61)
21. Ross McGarry for Bugler (65)
14. Dean Rock for O’Callaghan (71)
Louth:
1. James Califf
2. Dan Corcoran
3. Peter Lynch
4. Donal McKenny
5. Leonard Grey
6. Ciarán Murphy
7. Conall McKeever
8. Tommy Durnin
9. Conor Early
10. Niall Sharkey
11. Liam Jackson
12. Conor Grimes
13. Daire McConnon
14. Ciarán Downey
15. Ryan Burns
Louth Substitutes:
21. Craig Lennon for McKenny (44)
22. Tom Jackson for McKeever (44)
23. Conall McCaul for Burns (35)
18. Bevan Duffy for Sharkey (56)
19. Jay Hughes for McConnon (66)
