2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final

The 2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final was the 131st final of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the culmination of the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship in Gaelic football. The match was played at Croke Park in Dublin on 2 September 2018.[3]

2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final
Event2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
Dublin Tyrone
2–17 1–14
Date2 September 2018
VenueCroke Park, Dublin
Man of the MatchJack McCaffrey[1]
RefereeConor Lane
Attendance82,300[2]
Weather19 °C, Sunny

It was the second time the teams had met in the final; Dublin won the first encounter in 1995. It was the third consecutive year that a team qualified under the system of second chances introduced in 2001; Tyrone qualified despite defeat in its provincial championship.

Dublin won the final by a margin of six points, on a scoreline of 2–17 to 1–14.[4] The victory was Dublin's fourth consecutive All-Ireland title, making them the third county to win "four-in-a-row" (the others are Wexford in 1915–18 and Kerry in 1929–32 and 1978–81).[5]

The game was televised nationally on RTÉ Two as part of The Sunday Game live programme, presented by Michael Lyster from Croke Park, with studio analysis from Joe Brolly, Pat Spillane, and Colm O'Rourke.[6] Match commentary was provided by Ger Canning with analysis by Dessie Dolan. This was the last occasion on which Michael Lyster presented RTÉ's television coverage, having decided to retire from The Sunday Game at the end of 2018.[7][8] The game was also televised internationally by Sky Sports, presented by Rachel Wyse and Brian Carney.

Paths to the final

Leinster Championship

Dublin won the Leinster Championship and so advanced directly to the quarter-final group stage.

All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage (Super 8s)

Dublin finished first in Group 2 and advanced to the All-Ireland semi-final, to play the team who placed second in Group 1 - Galway.

All-Ireland Semi-Final

Ulster Championship

Having been beaten by Monaghan, Tyrone were eliminated from the Ulster championship and entered Round 1 of the All-Ireland qualifiers.

All-Ireland Qualifiers

All-Ireland Quarter-Final Group Stage (Super 8s)

Tyrone finished second in Group 2, behind Dublin, and advanced to the All-Ireland semi-final, to play the winner of Group 2, Monaghan.

All-Ireland Semi-Final

Pre-match

The match had originally been scheduled for 26 August, but had to be moved to accommodate the visit of Pope Francis to Ireland, where he attended the World Meeting of Families.[3] The final had been moved from its traditional date of the third Sunday of September to allow more time for club matches.[10]

Tyrone's RTÉ boycott

On Monday 20 August 2018, just under two weeks before the final, the Irish Independent reported that RTÉ had confirmed that Tyrone would not be involved in any media coverage with the national broadcaster surrounding the event. The boycott, considered a tradition at this stage in relation to Tyrone, involved for the first time an All-Ireland final, after which RTÉ airs television coverage from the hotel in which the winning team is booked to stay. This meant that, in the event of a Tyrone win, RTÉ would be unable to cover the after-match events as per usual, including interviews on the pitch with players and the management team. Tyrone's All-Ireland final boycott was a continuation of a seven-year blacklisting of RTÉ by the county, the cause of which was a radio sketch aired in 2011 on RTÉ Radio 1. The sketch incensed Tyrone, as it was deemed to be mocking Michaela Harte (daughter of Tyrone manager Mickey Harte), shortly after she was murdered while on honeymoon in Mauritius.[11]

Former All-Ireland winning captain Peter Canavan suggested the timing of RTÉ's announcement was intended to put pressure on Tyrone.[12]

Minor final

Kerry played Galway in the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final which took place before the senior final. Kerry won the game on a 0–21 to 1–14 scoreline to complete a five in a row of All Ireland wins.[13]

Jubilee team

The Derry team that won the 1993 All-Ireland Final were presented to the crowd before the senior match to mark 25 years.[14]

Match

Officials

On 20 August, Cork's Conor Lane was confirmed as the referee for the final. He was previously in charge of the drawn final between Dublin and Mayo in 2016.[15]

Team news

Tyrone made one change to the team from the semi-final win over Monaghan with Mark Bradley starting ahead of Lee Brennan.[16] Despite fears of an injury to Cian O'Sullivan, Dublin named an unchanged side, with the same starting fifteen that overcame Galway three weeks earlier.[17]

Summary

Dublin began the game unchanged with Tyrone making 2 late changes - Rory Brennan and Conor Meyler replaced Frank Burns and Richie Donnelly. Prior to the game, Dublin, as reigning All-Ireland champions for three consecutive years, were heavy favourites to win.[18] They took an early lead after Dean Rock scored a free, but he put his next two efforts wide,[19] allowing Tyrone to assert dominance for fifteen minutes. During this timeframe, the Ulster team opened up a four-point lead, with the score poised at 0–05 to 0–01 in favour of Mickey Harte's side.[2] However, the tide of the game turned once more in a dramatic, as Paul Mannion was fouled in Tyrone's penalty box, leading Conor Lane to award a penalty to Dublin, which Mannion calmly slotted home. Coupled with another successful free from Rock, this left the teams equal with five points apiece.[4] Tyrone only managed to secure one more point in the remaining twenty-four minutes of the half, and their lack of clinicality in front of goal opened the door to a resurgent Dublin side.[4] In the twenty-eighth minute, Dublin pulled further ahead courtesy of another goal. Con O'Callaghan took the ball deep into Tyrone territory before offloading to Niall Scully, who calmly fisted it into Niall Morgan's unguarded net.[20] Thus, the teams headed in at half-time with Dublin seven points to the good, having racked up 2–07 to Tyrone's 0–06.[4][20]

While Tyrone reduced the deficit by two early in the second half, with points from Connor McAliskey and Kieran McGeary narrowing Dublin's margin somewhat, the team in blue, affectionately known as "the Dubs", had accumulated an unassailable lead.[2] The second thirty-five minutes were not entirely without incident, however; Dublin had pulled further out of sight, with points from Ciaran Kilkenny and Brian Fenton further diminishing whatever minuscule chances Tyrone had at mounting a comeback.[2] However, in the sixty-sixth minute, Tyrone were given a late opportunity to draw near again, as Philly McMahon brought down Colm Cavanagh with a rash challenge, granting Tyrone a penalty - this was coolly dispatched by Peter Harte, breaching Stephen Cluxton's net for the first time in the game.[19][4] Later, John Small was given a second yellow card, and ergo sent off,[21] leaving Dublin to finish with just fourteen men. Ultimately, a point at the death from Kevin McManamon put the victory beyond any doubt.[2] Conor Lane, the County Cork native, blew the final whistle, confirming Dublin's victory with a margin of six points. The final score was 2–17 to 1–14.[4][21] The man of the match award was bestowed upon Jack McCaffrey, who received the award ahead of his other nominated teammates, Kilkenny and Mannion.[1]

As captain, goalkeeper Stephen Cluxton, making his 200th appearance for the county,[21] lifted the Sam Maguire Cup aloft from the Hogan Stand.[4] The win represented Dublin's fourth consecutive win under the management of Jim Gavin,[19] a feat only previously achieved by two other counties - Kerry and Wexford.[5] It also further extended Dublin's unbeaten run in the Championship; the side was last beaten in 2014.[5]

Details
2 September 2018 (2018-09-02)
15:30 IST (UTC+1)
Final
Dublin 2–17 (23) – 1–14 (17) Tyrone
(HT: 2–7 – 0–6[4])
Gls: Paul Mannion, Niall Scully
Pts: Dean Rock (0–7), Ciaran Kilkenny (0–4), Brian Fenton (0–2), Brian Howard (0–1), Jack McCaffrey (0–1), Kevin McManamon (0–1), Michael Darragh Macauley (0–1)		 Gls: Peter Harte
Pts: Connor McAliskey (0-3), Lee Brennan (0-3), Mark Bradley (0-2), Cathal McShane (0-2), Kieran McGeary (0-1), Peter Harte (1-1), Pádraig Hampsey (0-1), Tiernan McCann (0-1)
Croke Park, Dublin
Referee: Conor Lane
Attendance: 82,300[2]
Dublin
Tyrone
GK1Stephen Cluxton (c)
CB2Philly McMahon
FB3Cian O'Sullivan 26'
CB4Eoin Murchan 58'
WB5John Small 41,70+1' 
HB6Jonny Cooper 63'
WB7Jack McCaffrey
MF8Brian Fenton
MF9James McCarthy
WF10Niall Scully 52'
HF11Con O'Callaghan
FW12Brian Howard
CF13Paul Mannion 58'
FF14Ciarán Kilkenny
CF15Dean Rock 67'
Substitutes:
GK16Evan Comerford
FW17Paddy Andrews
FW18Colm Basquel
FW19Cormac Costello 52'
DF20Darren Daly 58'
DF21Michael Fitzsimons 26'
FW22Paul Flynn
DF23Eric Lowndes 63'
MF24Michael Darragh MacAuley 67'
FW25Kevin McManamon 58'
FW26Eoghan O'Gara

Manager:
Jim Gavin
GK1Niall Morgan
CB2Michael McKernan
FB3Ronan McNamee
CB4Pádraig Hampsey
WB5Tiernan McCann 18'
HB18Rory Brennan
WB7Peter Harte
MF8Colm Cavanagh
MF9Cathal McShane 55'
WF10Mattie Donnelly (c)
HF11Niall Sludden 46'
WF12Kieran McGeary 49'
CF13Mark Bradley 64'
FF25Conor Meyler 39'
CF15Connor McAliskey 49'
Substitutes:
GK16Michael O'Neill
DF6Frank Burns 46'
FW14Richard Donnelly 49'
FW17Lee Brennan 39'
DF19Michael Cassidy
FW20Harry Loughran 49'
MF21Conal McCann
FW22Declan McClure 55'
DF23Aidan McCrory
DF24HP McGeary
FW26Ronan O'Neill 64'

Manager:
Mickey Harte

Man of the Match:
Jack McCaffrey

Trophy presentation

Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton accepted the Sam Maguire Cup from GAA president John Horan in the Hogan Stand.

Reaction

Highlights of the final were shown on The Sunday Game programme which aired at 9:30 pm that night on RTÉ Two and was presented by Des Cahill. Paul Mannion, Jack McCaffrey and Ciarán Kilkenny were shortlisted for the Man of the Match award. The winner was Jack McCaffrey with GAA president John Horan presenting the award at the Dublin post match function, held in the Gibson hotel.[22]

Celebrations

The Dublin team had a homecoming celebration the day after the final at Smithfield in Dublin which started at 6:30 pm with Marty Morrissey as MC.[23] The night before, players and their management team celebrated their win at The Gibson Hotel.[24][25][26]

References
  1. "Dublin's Jack McCaffrey named All-Ireland final man of the match". The 42. 2 September 2018.
  2. Barry, Brian (2 September 2018). "Dublin 2-17 Tyrone 1-14: Dubs see off Tyrone in style". Sky Sports.
  3. "Football final will have a September date in 2018". RTÉ. 12 October 2017. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  4. Sweeney, Peter (2 September 2018). "Suspense suspended as Dubs make history against Tyrone". RTÉ.
  5. Whooley, Declan (2 September 2018). "The 5 key areas that sealed Dublin's 4 in a row". RTÉ.
  6. Fogarty, John (11 September 2019). "Brolly now on the sidelines for biggest day of the GAA year". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 11 September 2019. Last Sunday week [1 September 2019] was the first time since 2014 that the long-standing triumvirate of Brolly, O'Rourke, and Pat Spillane was broken up. For the Kerry-Donegal decider five years ago, Whelan took the place of Spillane on the live panel alongside Brolly and O'Rourke.
  7. "End of an era as Lyster bows out". Hogan Stand. 28 August 2018. Archived from the original on 29 August 2018. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
  8. "77 All-Ireland finals, one Michael Lyster". The 42. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  9. O'Connell, Cian (12 August 2018). "Tyrone advance to decider". Gaelic Athletic Association. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  10. Donogue, Eamon (12 October 2017). "Possible papal visit pushes back All-Ireland football final". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  11. "Tyrone refuse to participate in any media coverage with RTÉ for All-Ireland final clash with Dublin". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. 20 August 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  12. Canavan, Peter (24 August 2018). "You could interpret the timing of RTÉ's statement this week as trying to put pressure on Tyrone: County stands behind Mickey Harte if he wants to avoid dealing with the national broadcaster". Irish Independent. Independent News & Media. Retrieved 24 August 2018.
  13. "Kerry minors see off Galway to complete historic All-Ireland five-in-a-row". The 42. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  14. ""Maybe somebody would kidnap him on the way up!" With @JoeBrolly1993 on the pitch with the Derry jubilee team, Colm O'Rourke and Pat Spillane get the chance to look ahead to the All-Ireland final"". RTE Twitter. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  15. "Cork's Conor Lane to referee All-Ireland football final". Irish Examiner. 20 August 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  16. "One change as Tyrone name team to face Dublin in All-Ireland final showdown". The 42. 30 August 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2018.
  17. "Unchanged Dublin side preparing for physical battle with Tyrone". Irish Examiner. 2 September 2018.
  18. Edwards, Rodney (31 August 2018). "Tyrone fans have a busload of faith to keep their hopes alive". The Irish Times. Retrieved 2 September 2018.
  19. Duggan, Keith (2 September 2018). "Dublin the invincibles weather Tyrone storm to go four-in-a-row". The Irish Times.
  20. Fogarty, John (2 September 2018). "Dublin swallow Tyrone's early promise with fourth All-Ireland win in a row". Irish Examiner.
  21. McGoldrick, Seán (2 September 2018). "Four-in-a-row for ruthless Dublin as Jim Gavin's men see off plucky Tyrone". Irish Independent.
  22. "Jack McCaffrey and Michael Lyster soaked as Sunday Game interview goes badly, badly wrong". Joe.ie. 2 September 2018. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
  23. "Dublin announce details for All-Ireland homecoming party". RTE Sport. 3 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  24. "In pics: Thousands of fans take over Smithfield to honour Dublin's four-in-a-row success". The 42. 3 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  25. "Watch: Kevin McManamon belts out 'The Auld Triangle' as Dublin fans celebrate four in-a-row at homecoming". Irish Independent. 3 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
  26. "WATCH: The four-in-a-row party is still in full swing as fans join players in celebration". Irish Independent. 3 September 2018. Retrieved 4 September 2018.
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