Fitzsimons: Dessie and management have shouldered the criticism for us 

The nine-time Celtic Cross recipient held special praise for both manager Dessie Farrell and captain James McCarthy. 

MARKING DUTIES: David Clifford of Kerry in action against Michael Fitzsimons of Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Teams often take criticism and flak when things don't go to plan. 

For this Dublin team, with an end to their six years of dominance, it was going to be no different.