Subscriber

Christy O'Connor: Dingle choked by the pattern of history

In the 55-year history of the All-Ireland Club SFC, 28 the winners champions didn’t retain their county title that same season

Reigning All-Ireland champions Dingle were knocked out of the Kerry SFC by Spa on Saturday. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Mon, 05 Oct, 2026 - 02:15

Christy O'Connor

Christy O'Conner is a former top-level goalkeeper turned acclaimed hurling writer, with an intimate and unique understanding of gaelic games.

Dingle had eight players inside the two-point arc but five of them were drawn towards the ball on the outside channel on the fringe of the arc. As soon as Spa identified the space and lack of defensive structure, the ball was switched to Liam Spillane on the top of the D. Dingle had been listing and wobbling all evening. And now Spillane and Spa suddenly had a opportunity to land the knockout punch on their chin.

After Spillane got inside three covering Dingle defenders, he slipped the pass to Cian Murphy who nudged the ball between Gavin Curran’s legs and into the net. Spa were still only five points ahead with seven minutes of normal time remaining but the All-Ireland champions were already on the canvas and on their way out of the championship.

This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in