The opposition and the defensive challenge was a novel one for Dublin but the end result was familiar as the All-Ireland favourites strode to a fifth consecutive Leinster football title success at Croke Park.

By Peter O’Dwyer

Lambs to the slaughter they may not be but Monaghan go into today’s All-Ireland quarter-final against Dublin in full knowledge of the disembowelment the reigning champions have handed out to all who have gone before this year.

Dublin came good when it mattered most as second half goals from Diarmuid Connolly and Michael Daragh Macauley paved the way for an 11-point win for the reigning All-Ireland and Leinster champions at Croke Park

Last year’s league finalists clash in round six with both still in contention of a semi-final spot with Mickey Harte’s men in a slightly more favourable position.

Dublin 3-14 Mayo 2-17

All-Ireland SFC winning captain Stephen Cluxton is one of six Dublin players to be included in the GAA/GPA All-Stars Football team for the 2013 season.

Conor McKeon and his 24-piece band are to play the National Concert Hall on November 19 in aid of Turning The Tide of Suicide (3Ts), it has been announced.

Some big names will be missing from the Ireland squad when they take on Australia in the 2013 International Rules series later this month in Cavan and Dublin.

2013 All-Ireland SFC winning captain Stephen Cluxton and 11 of his Dublin team-mates have been nominated for GAA/GPA Football All-Stars awards.

All-Ireland winning manager Jim Gavin was thrilled to see his Dublin team grind out a narrow victory over Mayo despite shipping a number of injuries during the game.

Ballymun Kickhams clubman Philly McMahon has been parachuted into the Dublin team for tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC final against Mayo at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Mayo legend Liam McHale is hoping that Ger Brennan retains his place in the Dublin defence for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final because it would suit the Connacht champions better.

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has made one personnel change to his team for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Kerry at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has announced an unchanged starting line-up for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final encounter with Cork at Croke Park (throw-in 7pm).

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has selected an unchanged team for tomorrow's Leinster SFC final clash with old foes Meath at Croke Park (throw-in 2pm).

Dublin will have three full Championship debutants in their defence when they take on Westmeath in tomorrow's Leinster SFC quarter-final at Croke Park (throw-in 7pm).

Kevin O'Brien is named to start this Sunday's Allianz Football League Division 1 Final for Dublin against Tyrone, after having his three-match suspension for alleged biting overturned last night.

Ballymun Kickhams clubman Jason Whelan will make his full debut for Dublin when they meet Mayo in tomorrow's Allianz League Division 1 semi-final at Croke Park (throw-in 3.45pm).

Donegal 1-10 Dublin 0-13

Actor Tom Cruise has met with the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore for the presentation of a certificate of Irishness.

Dublin 1-15 Down 0-9

Diarmuid Connolly has recovered in time for tomorrow's Allianz Football League Division 1 match against Mayo at Croke Park (throw-in 7pm).

Crossmaglen Rangers players Aaron Kernan and Jamie Clarke have been named in the Ulster team for Sunday's M Donnelly Interprovincial Football final against Leinster at Croke Park (throw-in 3.45pm).

Dublin 1-18 Cork 2-9

Reigning Footballer of the Year Alan Brogan returns to the Dublin team for their much-anticipated All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash with Mayo on Sunday.

Eoghan O'Gara did enough in a cameo run against Meath to convince Pat Gilroy he should start for Dublin in Saturday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Laois.

Michael Darragh Macauley will replace the suspended Diarmuid Connolly in the Dublin team to play Meath in Sunday's Leinster SFC final at Croke Park (throw-in 4pm).

Twelve players from Dublin's victorious 2011 All-Ireland final team will start against Louth at Croke Park on Sunday (throw-in 4.30pm).

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has reacted to his team's poor showing against Mayo by making wholesale changes for Sunday's Allianz Football League final round clash with Cork.

Dublin have topped the list of nominees with 12 of the successful All-Ireland title-winning side in line for GAA-GPA Football All-Stars.

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has named an unchanged team for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final against Kerry at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has kept faith with an unchanged starting line-up for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Donegal at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

Eoghan O'Gara has surprisingly been named in the Dublin team to face Tyrone in tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park (throw-in 7pm).

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy says he had to make some tough decisions when picking the team to face Laois in Sunday's Leinster SFC quarter-final.

Wing forward Bryan Cullen will captain Dublin when they take on defending champions Cork in Sunday's Allianz Football League Division 1 final.

Dublin manager Pat Gilroy has made one change to his team for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Cork at Croke Park (throw-in 3.30pm).

They may not have the trophy to show for it, but Dublin wing forward Niall Corkery feels that, on current form, Louth are the best team in Leinster.

Manager Pat Gilroy has made four changes to the Dublin team for Sunday's Leinster SFC semi-final showdown with Meath at Croke Park (throw-in 4pm).

Pat Gilroy will give five players their Championship debuts when Dublin begin their title defence against Wexford in Sunday's Leinster SFC quarter-final at Croke Park (throw-in 4pm).

Dublin 0-14 Galway 1-14

NFL DIVISION 1:

Dublin 2-11 Monaghan 1-9