Sport

Crafty Costello drives Dublin to title

LEINSTER MFC FINAL Dublin 3-17 Meath 1-11 : FURTHER EVIDENCE of Dublin’s sterling underage work was evident at Croke Park yesterday…

Mon Jul 23 2012 - 01:00

LEINSTER MFC FINAL Dublin 3-17 Meath 1-11: FURTHER EVIDENCE of Dublin's sterling underage work was evident at Croke Park yesterday as Dessie Farrell's team claimed a third Leinster title in four years.

A smashing opening period display sprinkled with high quality attacking football proved too much for outclassed Meath.

Prompted by Cormac Costello Dublin led 0-4 to 0-1 by the 13th minute when the impressive Niall Scully was fouled in the square by Ruairí O’Coileáin. Scully’s subsequent penalty was saved by Jack Hannigan, but Dublin were firmly in the ascendancy.

Leading 0-8 to 0-2 by the 18th minute, Dublin pocketed a fortuitous goal. Costello’s shot wasn’t gathered by Hannigan and the ball crept over the line as Dublin led at the break 1-10 to 0-5.

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Within minutes of the restart Costello had sealed the deal for Dublin with two opportunistic goals on 34 and 41 minutes. Meath responded with a goal from Ciarán O’Sullivan, but Dublin, inspired by the ultra-promising dual star Costello, were never in any serious trouble.

Farrell was encouraged by Costello’s latest crafty contribution. “He was great, he is a very gifted individual. He carries himself very well which is important for a fella who has had the accolades he has had at this stage.”

Dublin now face Monaghan and Farrell insists there is scope for improvement. “Against better opposition, because Meath had an off day, we mightn’t get away with switching on and off like we did.”

DUBLIN: L Molloy; E Mullan, D Byrne, R McGowan; M MacDonncha, C Mulally, E Lowndes; Stephen Cunningham, S Carthy (0-1, 45); G Burke (0-3), N Scully (0-1), N Walsh (0-2); C McHugh (0-4, one free), C Costello (3-4, one free), R Gaughan (0-1). Subs: D Gormley for Walsh (45 mins), Shane Cunningham (0-1) for Gaughan (51 mins), D Campbell for McHugh (57 mins), M Deegan for Costello (58 mins), B Bentley for Carthy (60 mins).

MEATH: J Hannigan; D Smyth, B Power, S Gallagher; P Kennelly (0-1), P Harnan, R O'Coileáin; S McEntee, A Flanagan (0-1); C O'Sullivan (1-0), J Daley (0-1), J McEntee; S Coogan (0-1), B Dardis (0-1), F Ward (0-6, five frees). Subs: C Carton for Kennelly, J O'Malley for Smyth (31 mins), P Kennelly for Coogan (31 mins), H Rooney for P Harnan (43 mins), C Gillespie for O'Coileain (56 mins).

Referee: D Brazil(Offaly).