No harm for Monaghan to remind Dublin that they have their number at these early junctures. No harm for the champions either to be told that in this season of all seasons there is going to be gristle. The physical soreness they feel today after this niggly clash will serve them well for what lies ahead.

Jim Gavin dug deep into his all-conquering Dublin panel with impressive consequences as the three-in-a-row All-Ireland winners signed off on their Super 8s campaign in style.

A Stephen Cluxton-less Dublin turned in a fine second-half showing to easily see off Laois to claim the county’s eighth Leinster SFC title in a row.

Dublin 2-17 Kildare 2-10: All-Ireland champions Dublin shrugged off a sluggish first half to make a winning start to their Division 1 campaign in Croke Park this evening.

Dean Rock was Dublin’s hero as his additional-time free kick won the county their third consecutive All-Ireland SFC title.

A disputable additional time free ensured Donegal extended their unbeaten record in Ballybofey to 16 games.

Mayo’s misery will extend to a 66th year after Dublin’s excellent bench scored them a second successive All-Ireland title this evening, their hero in the drawn final Cillian O’Connor widing a last gasp free to force extra-time.

Kerry await on August 28.

Cork 1-15 Dublin 0-16

University of Limerick1-13 Garda College 2-8

Cork IT 0-13 Garda TC 1-9