This page reviews famous Dublin games.

scroll down for the following reviews

Leinster Final 1995

All Ireland Semi Final 1977

All Ireland Final 1974

All Ireland Final 1958

Work is also finished on the 1976 Final against Kerry!! Many more will be added, keep watching.

Leinster Final 1995 Dublin v Meath  July 30th 1995 

The 1990’s had been entirely disappointing for Dublin. 1991 saw defeat after the marathon 4 game session with Meath. 1992, 93 and 94 saw Leinster championship victory but defeat by Donegal, Derry and Down in 2 All-Ireland Finals and a Semi-Final. The years were ticking by and a gap had begun to yawn since Dublin had last won Sam Maguire. Leinster Championships simply weren’t good enough for the legions of Dublin fans, but at the beginning of the 95 Championship even that goal seemed unlikely as eventually Dublin would have to slip up in Leinster and Meath in particular could not keep losing narrowly to the Dubs.

The Championship opened in Navan against Louth. Jason Sherlock gave a fresh look to the attack and he and Keith Galvin both scored on their debuts in a patchy enough win – 19 points to 2:6. Three weeks later Dublin returned to Navan , this time to knock Laois out on a 1:13 to 9 scoreline. Sherlock scored a fantastic “bootless” goal as his influence really began to be felt up front. In truth however the trips to Navan had only conspired to set up the Leinster final clash between Dublin and Meath. It was a match the whole country was looking forward to as July came to an end.

There was much talk in the week before the game. Meath were being given the nod by the pundits – an up and coming team while Dublin were ageing, gutted and tired from years of disappointment and endeavour – a 4th Leinster title in a row seemed unlikely. Charlie Redmond seemed destined not to play as his father had fallen ill and had to be rushed to the Mater while the very match was doubtful as safety worries for the new Cusack stand were being uttered by the Corporation. By throw-in much of this had been resolved. The Corpo were happy and Redmond would play – his father making a good recovery. As for the result, only time would tell if Dublin still had the hunger and resolve.

The Sunday had dawned into a blistering day by the time the 63,000 fans had packed Croke Park. High above the Canal End a flag suggested that the teenage revelation that was Jason Sherlock would be snuffed out by Meaths defender Colm Coyle – “Coyle eats Chinese”. Time had now come for the throw-in.

Dublin’s game as it developed was a masterful performance of grit, determination and forward excellence – all 6 forwards scoring from play. By the 34th minute Dublin had raced into an 8-3 lead. Everybody knew a Meath revival was being arranged but nobody could have imagined that Dublin’s half time lead would be more than doubled by the final whistle. Dublin’s eventual victory 1-18 to 1-8 was the most convincing Leinster Final victory in 20 years and Dublin’s most comfortable win over Meath since 1955. Dublin’s performance was impeccable.

O’Leary in goals put in an unerring performance in his 64th Championship match and could not be held responsible for Meath’s goal. Keith Galvin contained Tommy Dowd and found the time to save off the line. Deasy was the star of the full back line playing superbly while Moran found Colm O’Rourke a handful but was equal to the task. Paul Curran gave a man of the match performance defending brilliantly and scoring 2 great points at the end of a pair of his many devastating runs. Barr and Deegan held off Giles and Gillic and supported the attack well. The midfield pair were top class, Bealin and Stynes worked incessantly and beat McDermott in a tough afternoon for him. As mentioned previously all forwards scored from play. Jim Gavin played excellent offensive football but also managed to keep Geraghty quiet all afternoon. Dessie Farrell as leader of the attack had his best game yet while Clarke settling into the ½ forwards rounded off a memorable match with a terrific goal. Sherlock had his best game in a blue jersey scoring 3 points and panicking the opposition defence whenever the ball came within a mile of him. Jayo also (inadvertently?) set-up Clarke’s clinching score. Charlie Redmond played out of his skin blocking, foraging scoring 6 frees and a tremendous point when it seemed he was running into a cul-de-sac. Mick Galvin at 15 was also outstanding. The Management team deserve special mention to for sending out the team so mentally and physically prepared.

What epitomised Dublin’s performance however was not the individual preformances but the team spirit with which adversity was faced and overcome. Dublin led by 8 to 4 at half time after giving Meath quite a battering but the Royal supporters sensed a turnaround and were rewarded when Dublin’s lead was wiped out by an Evan Kelly goal 6 minutes after the restart. 8 minutes later Geraghty shot Meath into an unjustified lead 1-7 to 9 points and the Royals sensed victory.

Dublin needed immense strength of character to respond positively. The pundits seemed right in their pre match predictions – Meath had burst on the scene to dance on Dublin’s grave. They were right about one thing this team was destined to win an All-Ireland – But not this year. Dublin’s response to Meath’s opportunistic lead was mesmerising.

Paul Clarke leveled with a vital superb point on the 50th minute. 20 minutes to go and the sides all square, Dublin let rip. Redmond awarded a free 3 minutes later put it over , then 2 minutes later danced around the Meath defence to lob home another score in incredible fashion. Dublin had caught fire. Deegan collected the kick-out, fed Redmond again who struck out wide before sending in a delightful cross for Clarke who duly obliged - pointing from close in. 4 points were now unanswered since Meath took the lead. Then came the killer blow for the royals. Sherlock won plenty of space but miscued his shot, the ball floated high toward the square. Clarke was waiting – and pounced, fisting the ball backwards and crashing it to the net. Jack Sheedy was seen jumping for joy behind the Meath goal. Dublin  were now 6 points clear after a devastating 10 minute spell. Defeat almost inevitable before seemed impossible as Dublin ran rampant throughout Croke Park. Meath heads dropped and Dublin tore through them. Giles scored a free in the next Meath attack but it was their last. Dublin tagged on another 5 points to send them packing. A truly amazing 20 minutes of football.

Dublin went on to overcome Cork and Tyrone to win the All-Ireland. Meath won the title the following year.
 
 

This All ireland Semi Final was one of the greats of all time. It had it all, great tension, great scores, great performances and above all a great finish. It featured the 2 great teams of the decade. Dublin All Ireland Champions in 1974 and 1976 versus Kerry the champions of 1975. Both sides knew the stakes were high as this was the final in all but name. Dublin were seeking fame – a third title in 4 years. As Tom Humphries wrote in the Times - "People say the 1977 game doesn’t stand up as a classic on television, but you had to be there, you had to feel the breath sucked out of old stadium in those crazy last minutes, you had to know the context of the time, to feel it unfolding. I’ve never seen better or known a more thrilling day of sport." -

The following piece relives the crucial moments of this gripping encounter.

Mickey Sheehy opened the scoring for Kerry. Kerry 0:1 Dublin 0:0

Robbie Kelleher loses the ball to Jack O’Shea who sends it in to Sean walsh. Walsh is fouled by Gay O’Driscoll. Sheehy puts it over from 25 yards. Kerry 0:2 Dublin 0:0

Cullens kick out finds Tommy Drumm who kicks on to Anton O’Toole. O’Toole passes to the Dublin captain and Tony Hanahoe chips a great point over the bar. 6 minutes gone. Kerry 0:2 Dublin 0:1

Tommy Drumm again gets it to Mullins. Kevin Moran receives the pass and begins a devastating run at the Kerry defence. His pass to hanahoe is brillaint but the resultant shot falls short. Lynch for kerry picks out Spillane who passes to Egan who kicks a great point. Kerry 0:3 Dublin 0:2

Sheehy awarded free from 20 yards but opts to go for goal. The shot is saved by Paddy Cullen but his clearance falls to Kerry Mullins fouls giving free. Ball is placed 35 yards out by Sheehy who puts it over. Kerry 0:4 Dublin 0:1

Mullins pulls out a great catch before being bundeled over, ref waves on play. Kerry’s clearance is put out over line as Dublin begina sustained period of pressure. Mullins again gets possession with a great catch, O’Toole gathers the broken ball and kicks a lovely score. Kerry 0:4 Dublin 0:2. 14 minutes gone.

Ogie Moran gather well for Kerry but the ball kicked on finds fran Ryder who passes to John McCarthy. Deenihan fouls the Dublin forward. Keaveney takes free from 50 yards, Over the bar. Kerry 0:4 Dublin 0:3. Michael O’Hehir “what a beauty!!”

Kerry kick out caught brilliantly by Mullins who starts a good run before sending it wide. 

Cullens kjck-out is broken down and comes to  Lynch for Kerry. Free is awarded. Sheehy drops it into the square where walsh grabs it, turns and blasts the ball under Cullen. Kerry 1:4 Dublin 0:3

Pat O’Neill gets possession of Cullens clearance but O’Keefe dispossesses passes to Lynch who finds jack O’Shea – to Walsh to Sheehy – the latter puts it over for a super score. Kerry 1:5 Dublin 0:3. 23 minutes 
gone.

Cullen to Moran. Moran is fouled. He takes an excellent long kick to O’Toole in space. Anton Kicks a great point from 40 yards out on the right wing. Kerry 1:5 Dublin 0:4

Kerry kick out leads to foul on Keaveney. Free from inside 50 but its put wide. 28 minutes gone.

Brogan fouls and has name taken after only 5 minutes on the pitch. Sheehy scores free. Kerry 1:6 Dublin 0:4.

Bobby Doyle drops ball into Kerry square but its cleared. Doyle again passes to Drumm. Drumm finds Keaveney but is dispossessed by Deenihan. Moran runs in but his kick is wide.

O’tolle passes to Mullins who places Hickey who is fouled. Keaveney belts 20 yard free over to narrow deficit. Kerry 1:6 Dublin 0:5.

Robbie Kelleher gathers kick out lays off to O’Toole. Latter finds Drumm  to Mullins back to O’Ttoole who puts it over for a magic point and O’Tooles third. Kerry 1:6 Dublin 0:6

HALF TIME

Throw in won by Moran who runs in but chip comes to goalie. Clearance finds Drumm however to Mullins to Keaveney. Ogie Moran slaps ball away from Jimmy but only for Gay o’Driscoll to collect. Drumm toDoyle back to Drumm who sends a long ball into Hanahoe near square, he knocks it back to McCarthy who blasts to the net. Goal Dublin. Kerry 1:6 Dublin 1:6. 36 minutes.

Ogie to Spillane who wins free. Ogie takes free, a long ball Cullen who clears but only to O’Keefe who puts it straight back over bar to re-establish Kerry’s lead. Kerry 1:7 Dublin 0:6

Drumm finds keaveney who places McCarthy who is fouled as scoring point. Keaveney places ball on 21 and duly obliges. Kerry 1:7 Dublin 1:7

Jack O’Shea passes ball into Kerry attack, foul. Sheehy puts over from 14 yards. Kerry 1:8 Dublin 1:7

Jack o’Shea finds Cullen out of position but Walsh miss’s gaol chance. 

Kerry on attack. Spillane on a great run passes to walsh for a cracking point to pull 2 clear of the Dubs.  With 48 minutes over. Kerry 1:9 Dublin 1:7

Cullen kicks long ball to centre field, O’Toole brilliant catch. Passes to Hickey, Hickeys shot just too short covered by Goalie.

Messy stuff now but ball breaks eventually to Doyle, to Drumm – greta pass to O’Toole , he puts it over. Kerry 1:9 Dublin 1:8

Doyle takes sideline ball and lobs it into square, David Hickey fists it cleanly, could go anywhere but goes over bar. The sides are level again. Kerry 1:9 Dublin 1:9 Great score.

Doyle has another sideline ball. Hanahoe gathers and chips over. Dublin in lead for first time 46 minutes gone. Kerry 1:9 Dublin 1:10.

Spillane  to Walsh who kicks equaliser within 30 seconds. . Kerry 1:10 Dublin 1:10.

Cullen short ball to Kevin Moran who passes to O’Toole. Power puts it out to deprive Dublin man. Doyle again with sideline. Kelleher to Doyle – greta run to the 14 and over the bar. . Kerry 1:10 Dublin 1:11.

Ogie Moran to Paidi O’Shea to Lynch and Keery are level again after 1 seconds behind! . Kerry 1:11 Dublin 1:11

Cullens ball is long to Jack O’Shea who finds Spillane, Sheehy runs to collect pass and lobs a point to put the Kingdom back in front with only 10 minutes left. . Kerry 1:12 Dublin 1:11

Cullen kicks out to Drumm, Hickey loses pass and it falls to Egan,- another Kerry point. Kerry 1:13 Dublin 1:11.

Mullins kicks line ball to O’Toole who runs and passes to Hanahoe. Hanahoe finds Hickey on the edge of the square. Hickey smashes the net.a great  Goal for Dublin. . Kerry 1:13 Dublin 2:11.

Ogie Moran to mid field. Drumm collects broken ball and kicks into space. O’Keefe gets for Kerry and sens it back to centre field. Kerry win a free from 60 yards. Ogie’s kick is into the square but Doherty fields superbly from off the line. Doherty kicks long to Doyle who hand passes to a running Hickey. Hickey kicks to Hanahoe whose hand pass goes straight to an on rushing Bernard Brogan. Brogan’s kick is straight for the goal and makes it – Dublins third  brilliant goal. Hill 16 erupts. Dublin are 4 points clear. Dublin 3:11 to Kerry 1:13.

Sheehy gets an easy free but opts for a goal bound lob. The ball is knocked out and P O’Shea shot for point goes wide.

Cullen to Mullins (great catch) Kicks into space, o’driscoll is there, to Hanahoe eventuallywho kicks a sweet point from 40 yards. . Kerry 1:13 Dublin 3:12

Referee Blows whistle on an amazing game.

FULL TIME

Dublin went on to hammer Armagh and lift their third title in 4 years..

1974 All Ireland Final – Dublin 0:14 Galway 1:6.

September 1999 is the 25th anniversary of Dublin’s All-Ireland win of 1974. It was the Dub’s first win in 11 years and was to beckon in Dublin’s most glorious era since the Civil war. 1974 was the breakthrough year as Heffo’s army began their march to 3 titles in 4 years. HILL16.com has prepared a 2 part Article to mark this event. Part 1 is a review of the game itself and Part 2 (to be added post 1/9/1999) is a review of the Irish Nationwide gala evening to celebrate the jubilee.

PART 1

Liam Sammon placed the ball on the penalty spot and began to pace backwards. The Canal End Goal was quiet. You would never have thought it was nearly ½ way through the second half of the All-Ireland final. Sammon had never missed a penalty and this kick would put Galway 4 points clear (2:4 to 6 pts), Dublin’s revival would be quelled and Galway would be on their way to their first title since the great 3 in a row to 1966. All that stood in the way was the navy shirted Paddy Cullen. Micheal O’Hehir commentating way above in the Hogan Stand uttered the following prayer like line “Paddy Cullen, Heaven help him, on the goal line”. Sammon began his run.

Galway were quite lucky to be in front at this stage. The first half had been evenly matched. It was a windy day which would account for the lowish scores. After Jimmy Duggan opened the account for the tribesmen, David Hickey levelled with a great point on the 13th minute. Jimmy Keaveney put good Dublin play on the scoreboard thereafter by kicking over 2 frees in the next ten minute spell. After 2 years absence from football he had scored 1:28 in the 1974 championship before this game – he would add handsomely to this before the day was out.

Dublin 3pts to 1 up were looking good for their first title since 1963. They had been barren years – only 1 Leinster title (1965) – Meath had won 4, Offaly 3. But now nearing half time and having beaten the reigning champions Cork in the semi – Dublin looked good.

Then against the run of play Galway were in front. The ball was floated into the “area” and Michael Rooney fisted it past a diving paddy Cullen. 1:1 to 3 pts. Dublin were winded but O’Toole equalised swiftly with a fisted point. The ship was steadied but was taking in water. Galway came looking for scores. Tom Naughton knocked 2 over before Rooney scored again – a brilliant solo point - Rooney had been “selling dummies wholsale” according to O’Hehir. Mullins narrowed the gap to 2 seconds before half time.

Dublin began to come into it again in the opening minutes of the second half. A Keaveney free after 7 minutes brought the gap down to a single point. Moments later Mullins delivered an incredible long distance pass for O’Toole who was tripped. No free was given however. Instead Sammon was bundled over and the referee ran to the spot. Penalty.

All that had gone before was a blur to Sammon as he continued his penalty run. He had never missed before. His kick was good, hard and low to Cullen’s left, way to Cullens left. Somehow Cullens left hand made it in time. The ball was blocked wide. It was an amazing save. Sammons head hung. The 50 was wasted too and a free out awarded.

Cullens save crippled Galway. But it wasn’t his first. It was his second of three wonder-saves of the second half. IN the 1st minute Mickey Rooney found himself behind the Dublin defence and blasted toward the net. Cullen was equal to it. After the penalty save Cullen saved again – another blasting shot from the Galway no. 12. Cullens incredible 2nd half saves made a huge difference to Dublin that day.

With the penalty wasted Dublin began to play brilliantly again. 3 points without reply, kick-started by a great Keaveney free and followed by Keaveney again - this time from play and a McCarthy run and score put the Dubs in front 0:9 to 1:4. Galway however found their way back with 2 frees.

15 minutes to go and the sides were level. Dublin saved their best spell fro last and pulled away scoring 5 without reply to claim the title. 2 great points from the great Jimmy Keaveney and a Mullins score kicked over his head sealed the day for the Dubs. O’Hehir’s quote will never be forgotton – “ the Jacks are back and the Galway backs are jacked”.

Before the final whistle blew the crowd were invading the field. The Gardai were trying to maintain order as celebrations on the Hill spilled over. Even Heffo himself was trying to hold delirious fans back. As O’Hehir said, “some fans are being good-humouredly remover, others are just being removed”.

I was only 1 in 1974 and looking back at the haircuts and Alan Larkin’s crazy beard its easy to see 1974 as belonging to a distant age. In truth however it marked the beginning of a new a great phase for Dublin football.

The Breakthrough Team.

1. P Cullen 2. G O’Driscoll 3. S Doherty 4. R Kelliher 5. P Reilly 6. A Larkin 7. G Wilson 8. B Mullins (2 pts) 9. S Rooney 10. B Doyle 11. T Hanahoe 12. D Hickey (2 pts) 13. J McCarthy (1 pt) 14. J Keaveney (8 pts) 15. A O'Toole

PART 2.

Heffo’s Heroes Rise Again - from a press release - Irish Nationwide

The Dubs were back in style as Heffo’s heroes rose again to the great occasion in the Burlington Hotel when they were honoured guests of Michael Fingleton and the Irish Nation wide Building Society at a celebration banquet to mark the 25th anniversary of their 1974 All-Ireland football victory.

The occasion was the presentation of this year’s GAA jubilee Awards. Michael Fingleton was joined in the presentation ceremony by the preesident elect of the GAA, Mr Sean McCague.

And there too to savour the emotional atmosphere of the reunion and relive again the memories of the jubilation of that magic moment in Croke Park was the man whom many say made it all possible – the team manager, Kevin Heffernan.

And memories there were aplenty – the deadly boot of Jimmy Keaveney, the great save of Paddy Cullen, the rock-like steadiness of Sean Doherty and Gay O;Driscoll, the breaks of Robbie Kelliher and the sheer second half power of Brian Mullins and David Hickey.

But a team triumph it undoubtedly was in the overall as had been the entire march of the Dubs from obscurity to the 1974 final, as one of the doyens of Gaelic games reporting at the time put it, by doggedness, the will to win and supreme fitness.

Among the special guests were the captain of the Galway team defeated by Dublin , Gay Mitchell and the referee on the day, Paddy Devlin from Tyrone.

As history records the Dubs went on to contest each of the succeding five All-Irelands, winning in 76 and 77. – The jubilee awards will see them again soon.

1958 All - Ireland Final. Dublin 2:12 Derry 1:9

The 1958 Championship ended in September with Dublin and Derry contesting the spoils. This was a massive game for both camps. For Derry it was their first Ulster title and victory would see Sam Maguire cross the border for the first time. For Dublin it had been 16 gut wrenching years since their last championship. Defeat to Kerry in 1955 while favourites rankled most. Since the League win of 1953 and with St. Vincents Club dominance in the Capital everybody expected the Dubs to deliver. But when? The League win in 1958 against Kildare sparked renewed interest in the Heffernan led Blues. Now in September they were only one step away. Hill16.com caught up with Derry legend Tommmy Doherty for his memories.

How confident were you and your team in the run up to the All-Ireland final?

Having beaten Kerry in the semi final and having previously played Galway at Wembley stadium in a good close game, then hearing that Dublin had beaten Galway by a single point in their semi final – yes we were confident of success.

What are your abiding memories of the build up to the game?

My abiding memories of the build up were low key “winding down” training at Newbridge GFC under Manager Roddy Gribben, traveling to Belfast for physiotherapy under former Belfast Celtic physiotherapist Joe Devlin, a team meeting on Friday night before the game and finally travelling to Dublin by car and booking into the Hollybrook Hotel on the Howth Road

How did you rate the Dubs that year?

I understood they had a great team but I was at a disadvantage in that I had never seen them play.

How do you remember the game developing?

At that time the referee threw the ball over his head to 2 lines of players including forwards and mid fielders. I don’t remember who won the first ball but Dublin began attacking relentlessly. Nonetheless we managed to hold our own and began to get on top. Derry dominated the Dublin half for long periods but couldn’t get the necessary scores. We weren’t helped by some dubious refereeing decisions including a penalty claim that was not awarded. The second half was fairly even with us trailing by three points going into the last quarter. Suddenly we got a goal and the teams were level. However after pulling ourselves into it we lost concentration and in the worst moment of my footballing career a high fast ball approached my corner from the Cusack stand side approximately 30 yards out. The ball broke and the Dublin forward was away like a flash and buried the ball for a goal. We tried our best to get back into the game but time was against us.

How did you play yourself?

In the semi final against Kerry it seemed I could do no wrong. For example, I kicked a ball off our goal line to the corner flag with 3 Kerry lads going over my head into the net. Interestingly int eh 1958 championship none of the corner forwards from Antrim, Cavan, Down or Kerry scored against me. However against Dublin I felt like I could not get close to the ball. It was one of those days every footballer has experienced. I tried my best.

Who played well for Derry/Dublin?

With all due respect to the whole Derry team, I don’t thinkk any of us played to our potential, with the exception of Jim McKeever who was at his prolific best. Goalkeeper Patsy Gormley and Patsy McLennon played well too. For Dublin I remember Cathal O’Leary catching some fine high balls, Kevin Heffernan of course making some fine moves and Ollie Freaney scoring tough frees.

Describe the immediate aftermath of the game?

Naturally we were very disappointed at not winning a medal, feeling that this chance may not come our way again. I felt sick and downhearted. Losers don’t count when the game is over. However it was an honour to represent our county and province in an All-Ireland final.

However my disappointment of 1958 was lessened when my sons Damian won an All-Ireland Club medal in 1991 with Lavey in Croke Park and Peter, an All-Ireland B Championship hurling medal in 1996 with Derry.