Farrell hails ‘inspirational’ display by Byrne

Dessie Farrell hailed “inspirational” full-back David Byrne as Dublin held off a Kerry comeback to take their place in the All-Ireland MFC final.

Leading by two points in the 54th minute, Byrne made a vital interception to deny Kerry a certain goal.

“It was vital, a great interception and it’s inspirational moments like it that matches are won and lost on,” said Dubsmanager Farrell. “We’re very thankful for David in that situation. But you’d expect that from him too.”

Former Dublin forward Farrell admitted he was concerned as his side let slip almost all of an eight-point lead. “I was worried,” he continued. “Because you never know with young men of this age what’s going on in their heads. Thankfully we rallied and closed the game out.”

Kerry manager Mickey Ned O’Sullivan agreed that Byrne’s interception was the decisive moment of the game.

O’Sullivan said Kerry forward Conor Keane took the wrong option though, claiming he should have shot for goal himself instead of attempting to pick out a pass to a colleague.

“The player opted to pass it instead of burying it,” lamented O’Sullivan. “But that’s decision making.

“That’s what wins and loses games. Dublin made a lot of right decisions. We took the wrong option that time.”

Kerry legend O’Sullivan admitted that his side lacked a physical presence against the powerful Dubs though they still fought back bravely and might have won had it not been for that goal miss.

Dublin face Meath in the final on September 23 and despite beating the Royal County already in the Leinster final, Farrell insisted his side won’t get complacent.

“I suspect there won’t be any complacency,” added Farrell. “It is difficult having beaten a team already to play them again. But we just have to deal with that.

“We’ve been carrying the favourites tag all summer and I’m sure the All-Ireland final will be no different. I think our players realise that we caught Meath on an off day.”