Gavin praises players for 'great heart and resolve'

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.

It was not the free-flowing final that many had predicted, as the Dubs fell behind early on at Croke Park and trailed 0-8 to 1-4 at the break before they came good in an attritional second period.

Former Footballer of the Year Bernard Brogan produced arguably his best display of the Championship, tallying up a vital 2-3, and collectively the Leinster champions proved the stronger outfit when it mattered most.

They seized control of the final at key stages but it was far from easy as Andy Moran's 50th-minute goal brought Mayo back level at 1-9 each, and Dublin needed a second major from Brogan and points from Brogan, Ger Brennan and captain Stephen Cluxton to seal their second All-Ireland title in three years.

It was a resilient performance from the Dublin panel as they suffered some notable setbacks along the way. A hamstring injury ended Paul Mannion's day prematurely, while fellow youngster Jack McCaffrey was withdrawn at half-time and Cian O'Sullivan and Philly McMahon also had to come off temporarily.

Gavin made his fifth and final substitution with 53 minutes on the clock when an especially groggy Jonny Cooper, who came off worse in an accidental collision with Mayo skipper Andy Moran, was replaced by Denis Bastick.

Giving his reaction afterwards, Gavin said: "It's fantastic, I'm just delighted for the players. The sacrifices and the effort they put in throughout the season was phenomenal and they got their just rewards today. They showed great heart and great resolve to never give in.

"There were a lot of injuries so for them to keep their composure under those circumstances was admirable, and I thought they deserved it in the end."

It completes a thoroughly successful first season in charge for the former wing forward, who took over from Pat Gilroy last October. The Dubs now have Allianz League Division 1, Leinster Championship and All-Ireland Championship silverware within their grasp.

But it is a measure of the man that Gavin had some words of commiserations for those in the losing dressing room just as Dublin's own post-match celebrations kicked into gear.

"Mayo have showed their character in lots of games, and for them to pick themselves up after what they went through last year and go hard at it again, with some massive performances against Tyrone Donegal and Galway along the way, there is no doubt that they will be back.

"That won't rest easy with them but they are a very, very good side and will be back next year," he insisted.

Gavin admirably kept his poise on the sideline during Dublin's dramatic semi-final defeat of Kerry and he was exactly the same today, explaining how they used the half-time break to their full advantage as they targeted a strong closing 35 minutes.

"I am always saying to the players that half-time is only a break in the play. That's what it is. The most important thing for us is that we are up by a point or more at the end of the game when the referee blows his whistle.

"That has been the philosophy and the players accept that. Half-time is a chance to rest and regroup and have a tactical discussion. There was no big drama in the Dublin dressing-room at half-time at all.

"The game ebbs and flows and it is important for the guys to keep their composure and focus and keep going with the game-plan. Within that they always have the freedom to express themselves.

"It was a tough, manly game and both teams really battled and I'm just glad we came through."