Dublin 2-13
Galway 2-7
By Declan Drake at Tullamore
Dublin are the last winners of the Eirgrid All Ireland U 21 Football Championship. Dessie Farrell guided the young blues to a 6 point win over a fancied Galway side in the final played in O Connor Park Tullamore yesterday.
The young blues started well and at one stage led by 3 points 4 to 1 with Glen O Reilly and Colm Basquel lively up front. Ballyboden Man Basquel should have had the games first goal on 9 mins and would have had Galway keeper Ronan o Beolain not produced a fine stop. Galway recovered well after their slow start and by half time there was only a point in it Dublin leading 0-5 to 0-4.
The first 15 mins of the second half saw Dublin kick on in some style to open up an 8 point lead at one stage. Their first goal from Cuala club man Con O Callaghan on 35 mins when he fisted home from close range a key moment in that. It looked very good for the Leinster Champions at that juncture but Galway refused to lie down.
A smashing goal from wing back Cillian Mc Daid ignited their comeback effort. He was desperately unlucky later to see a low drive hit the upright and rebound back into play. This proved a key moment as Dublin broke with pace before Aaron Byrne of Na Fianna smashed home the second goal to settle the nerves and see Dublin regain their composure.
In the final minute Con O Callaghan pointed from the penalty spot to secure the win although Galway were to get a consolation goal right at the death. There were great scenes of joy on the pitch at full time as the players celebrated with family and friends becoming the 5th team from the County to reach the summit at the U 21 grade. They will be be the last as from next year a new competetion at U 20 level is being introduced.
