As it happened: Dublin outlast Cork in Croke Park, Tipp march on to All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Kilkenny
TREATY TOPPLERS: Ronan Hayes of Dublin celebrates after the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Championship quarter-final match between Dublin and Limerick at Croke Park in Dublin. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
A dud. Tipperary cruised to a semi-final against Kilkenny with ease in the end. A late goal made the margin less ugly for Galway but the performance was dire.
Galway’s conversion rate was a paltry 45% in a tie where they only landed eight scores from play. Declan McLaughlin mustered a green flag in injury time. At that stage, the royal blue and gold were already thinking about Croke Park.
The air in the Gaelic Grounds was charged with a curious electricity. A rain shower and the heat combined to create a humid fervor. In the hour before throw-in, all over the ground fans huddled over phones to take in the seismic shock from HQ. An enormous cheer at the final whistle seemed to send a signal to both sides as they emerged for their warm-up: let’s get weird.
The first half that followed fit that description. Galway hit four points from play, failed to find a final pass repeatedly and had one clear goal chance for Kevin Cooney well stopped by Rhys Shelly. For all of that, they were just five points down at the break on a 0-11 to 0-16 scoreline.
In front of a 16,404 crowd, Tipperary took some time to find their feet. A gorgeous Jason Forde sideline saw them hit the front for the first time after nine minutes and came amidst a five-point burst. Jake Morris’s inclination to rotate across the forward line reaped rewards. All of their starting six had scored by the 23rd minute, with only Darragh McCarthy scoreless from play.
Outside of Darren Morrissey, Micheál Donoghue was looking at a defensive unit under pressure. Everyone else was watching a contest that needed to catch fire. There was a raft of frees and two yellow cards, for Sean Linnane and Morris. That nervous energy proved contagious. On the sideline, Donoghue and Liam Cahill had to be held apart as McCarthy lined up a free in front of them. He missed, understandably.
Colm Molloy injected a much-needed spark. Conor Cooney’s ball into the corner looked harmless until Robert Doyle slipped. Suddenly, it was deadly. Like any good corner-forward, he made sure to strike low into the side netting.
Any advantage was soon eradicated as Tipperary hit six in a row. The underdog had their chances but they offered them up as well, with Morris denied a goal by a strong Darach Fahy save.
The game was done by the hour mark. Shelly started the move, Willie O’Connors took it off him, Noel McGrath had all the time in the world to pick a pass, Oisin O’Donoghue ensured the move concluded with a classy finish.
It was fitting of the contest. Tipperary’s triumph was built on their ability to maximise mistakes, repeatedly punishing Galway’s poor use of possession. 1-14 of their total came from turnovers.
After the final whistle, delighted fans took over the field in a pitch invasion. Not even the threat of sprinklers could wash away their swagger.
Scorers for Tipperary: J. Forde 0-7 (0-1 free, 0-2 s/line); J. Morris, A. Ormond 0-5 each; O. O’Donoghue 1-0; D. McCarthy (frees), J. McGrath 0-3 each; D. Stakelum 0-2; S. O’Farrell, W. Connors, N. McGrath 0-1 each.
Scorers for Galway: C. Mannion 0-13 (0-9 frees, 0-2 65); C. Molloy 1-0; D. McLoughlin 1-0; T. Monaghan 0-2; C. Whelan, C. Cooney 0-1 each.
Tipperary: R. Shelly; R. Doyle, E. Connolly, M. Breen; C. Morgan, R. Maher, R. O’Mara; W. Connors, P. McGarry; J. Morris, A. Ormond, S. O’Farrell; D. McCarthy, J. McGrath, J. Forde.
Subs: D. Stakelum for McGarry (half-time); N. McGrath for McGrath (48); O. O’’Donoghue for McCarthy (52); C. Stakelum for O’Farrell (60); S. Kennedy for Connors (66).
Galway: D. Fahy; P. Mannion, D. Burke, D. Morrissey; C. Fahy, G. Lee, S. Linnane; R. Glennon, D. Burke; C. Cooney, C, Mannion, C. Whelan; C. Molloy, B. Concannon, K. Cooney.
Subs: TJ Brennan for Linnane (half-time); T. Monaghan for Burke (50); D. McLoughlin for Cooney (52); T. Killeen for Cooney (58); R. Burke for Glennon (66).
Referee: S. Stack (Dublin).
Brave and bold, Cork went out of the championship on their shields against a Con O’Callaghan-less Dublin in this evening’s All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final in Croke Park.
Cork led as late as the 53rd minute and were level five minutes later but ultimately ran out of juice as Dublin secured a place in next weekend’s last-eight fixtures.
Whether their captain O’Callaghan will be fit for that remains to be seen but here their workmanlike efforts were sufficient to keep John Cleary’s side at bay.
Trailing from the 11th minute, Dublin shot back into the lead in the 45th when Brian Howard took receipt of an indirect Ciarán Kilkenny free-kick, weaved his way through and smashed the ball to the top left corner of Micheál Aodh Martin’s net.
That had followed scores from Lee Gannon and Niall Scully when it appeared Dublin had made the necessary adjustments at half-time to wrestle back the kick-out advantage.
However, Cork’s response was convincing. Colm O’Callaghan split the posts for a second time in the game and then Chris Óg Jones in the 48th minute showed some great stopping strength to point and the visitors were only one behind, 1-11 to 1-12.
Cork’s rearguard combined well to keep out a Gannon goal chance in the 46th minute and not only did they go level via Mark Cronin, they went ahead when Seán Walsh arced one over in the 53rd minute.
The lead returned to Dublin as Paddy Small followed up a Cormac Costello score but the teams would be level another couple of times in the following couple of minutes, Jones and substitute Cathail O’Mahony fisted over Cork’s contributions.
Scores from Costello and Small gave Dublin some breathing space. The margin was one in the 63rd minute when Cronin converted a free won by Seán Powter but it was cancelled out by one by Costello. A Seán McDonnell two-point free attempt dropped short and substitute Luke Breathnach gave Dublin more of a cushion with a 69th minute point.
Dublin started as they meant to go on, kicking four points from play in the first five minutes to no response from Cork. Paddy Small sent over the first couple followed by Ciarán Kilkenny and Seán Bugler.
Cork were being hounded out of retrieving their kick-outs but when they eventually got the hang of them, they settled. Dublin didn’t score again until the 17th minute by which time Cork had produced 1-3.
From play and a placed ball, Cronin sent over two scores in the space of as many minutes and Jones’s 11th minute goal came off the kick-out from Cronin’s second score.
Brian Hurley forced Eoin Murchan into putting the ball out of play, took the resultant kick quickly into an unmarked Ian Maguire who squared it to an on-running Jones for an exquisite finish.
Hurley landed his first point in the 16th minute and while John Small responded soon afterwards the Cork captain was again finding space for himself to score a minute later.
The teams exchanged scores one after another up to the half-hour mark when Micheál Aodh Martin punted over a 45. That came after Stephen Cluxton parried away a Jones’s strike after he had escaped Murchan to collect a fine pass from Cronin.
For all their early prowess, Dublin were finding Cork’s defenders a more miserly crew as the half wore on. Neil Lordan had his difficulties with Small in the opening exchanges but recovered well to handle him towards half-time.
Jones added to his tally with a first point in the 34th minute and Cork were four to the good prior to Bugler sending over a two-pointer to give Dublin a slightly flattering two-point deficit at the interval, 0-9 to 1-8.
Scorers for Dublin: S. Bugler (1tp), C. Costello (2 frees (0-5 each); B. Howard (1-0); P. Small (0-4); C. Kilkenny, J. Small, L. Gannon, N. Scully, L. Breathnach (0-1 each).
Scorers for Cork: C. Jones (1-3); M. Cronin (0-5, 2 frees); B. Hurley, C. O’Callaghan (0-2 each); I Maguire, M.A. Martin, S. Walsh (45), C. O’Mahony (0-1 each).
DUBLIN: S. Cluxton; E. Murchan, D. Byrne, S. MacMahon; B. Howard, J. Small, L. Gannon; P. Ó Cofaigh-Byrne, C. Kilkenny (c); K. McGinnis, S. Bugler, N. Scully; P. Small, L. O’Dell, C. Costello.
Subs for Dublin: C. Murphy for L. O’Dell (45); L. Breathnach for K. McGinnis (56); T. Lahiff for L. Gannon (59); N. Doran for N. Scully (68).
CORK: M.A. Martin; M. Shanley, D. O’Mahony, N. Lordan; B. O’Driscoll, S. Brady, M. Taylor; P. Walsh, C. O’Callaghan; I. Maguire, S. Walsh, S. McDonnell; M. Cronin, B. Hurley (c), C. Jones.
Subs for Cork: E. McSweeney for P. Walsh (48); C. Cahalane for S. McDonnell (temp 49-58); C. O’Mahony for B. Hurley (55); S. Powter for M. Taylor (58); L. Fahy for N. Lordan (63).
Referee: S. Hurson (Tyrone).
Dublin and Kerry advance from preliminary quarter finals and will join Meath, Monaghan, Armagh and Tyrone. They will be joined by the winners of Donegal/Louth and Down/Galway - those games are on Sunday.
All-Ireland SHC semi finals: Cork v Dublin, Kilkenny v Tipperary
Great championship contest that went right to the wire. Cork were outstanding all evening but the Dubs prevailed with class and experience. Onto the All-Ireland quarter for Dessie Farrell's side.
: Braddock with an excellent score from range to make it a three-point game.
: Tipperary's class finally delivered their goal. An outrageous pass by Noel McGrath, who tried to create a goal rather than settle for his point. Oisin O'Donoghue finished the move. A pitch invader providing some mild interest as the game comes to an end in Limerick.
Powter does the hard work but makes a mess of the kick for a point. Luckily for him it has been pulled back for a free. From 45 metres, Sean McDonnell's free drops just short into the hands of Cluxton.
Costello makes Cork pay after some silly grappling which led to a free from close for the Dubs. Two point lead again. Cork need the next score.
Sean Powter could make a big impact for Cork in the closing stages, he’s been fouled on the burst here and the Mark Cronin tap over free brings it back to a one point game, 1-17 to 1-16. It's cagey in Croke Park.
We're at the hour mark and Small has curled one over to extend the Dubs lead to two. He has been vital for Dublin today.
: Cathail O’Mahony introduced for Cork and the impact of the Mitchelstown man is immediate, he dances on a pinhead to find a gap and fist the equaliser, 1-15 each This one is going down to the wire, as Sean Powter is introduced for Cork.
: It’s level again 1-14 each after Chris Og Jones fists the equaliser, but Sean Bugler goes down the other end to claim his fift point of the preliminary quarter final, 1-15 to 1-14.
1-15: Both teams have had 13 wides each now, a lot left out there. To make up for it Tipp hit the back of the net to extend their lead to 11 points.
Cork's inside forwards continue to give Dublin headaches. They now have 1-7 from play. And now Sean Walsh sends over a point to put them in the lead.
🔥WHAT A GOAL FROM BRIAN HOWARD🔥
— GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) June 21, 2025
Postage stamp from the Raheny man 📩@DubGAAOfficial take the lead in Croke Park 🏐
Football clips brought to you by @AIB_GAA #TheToughest #DUBvCOR pic.twitter.com/P6QJYCcJ63
Tipp sub - Oisin O'Donoghue on for Darragh McCarthy.
Colm Molloy grabs a fine goal for Galway from an acute angle
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer
📱 Updates - https://t.co/IOUwPoXApa pic.twitter.com/t00d7nNvWy
Brian Howard goal. Takes the ball from an indirect Ciarán Kilkenny free and weaves his way into the scoring area before launching the ball to the net.
: Dublin 1-12 Cork 1-10: Lorcan O'Dell has been hauled off for Cian Murphy as Dublin look to shake things up. And shake it up they have. Brian Howard barrels towards goal, burning off Sean McDonnell, and sticks it in the top corner for his first championship goal.
Dublin back on top on the kick-outs and it's showing on the scoreboard as they level it up. Con O'Callaghan returns to his seat without a substitute bib. About to enter the fray?
Changes for both teams at half-time, with Darragh Stakelum on for Peter McGarry and TJ Brennan coming in for Sean Linnane. Galway get a badly needed goal at the at start of the second half. Colm Molloy with a super finish low along the wet surface.
First-half scorers for Dublin: S. Bugler (0-4, 1tp); P. Small (0-2); C. Kilkenny, J. Small, C. Costello (0-1 each); First-half scorers for Cork: C. Jones (1-1); M. Cronin (0-3, 1 free); B. Hurley (0-2); I Maguire, M.A. Martin (45) (0-1 each).
nteresting point from Anthony Daly on RTÉ Radio 1 - expressed without blinkers, he insisted - but wouldn’t Galway and Tipp have been better at a full Cusack Park in Ennis? It’s closer to Galway, of course, but Tipp wouldn’t mind the game there.
After a blistering Dublin opening that yielded four points, Cork have steadied the ship admirably and take a 1-8 to 0-9 lead into the interval at Croke Park. Chris Og Jones with the goal, and he has given a torrid time to Eoun Murchan, kicking 1-2 in the first half. Sean Bugler kicked a two pointer on the buzzer to halve the deficit going in at the break.
What a weird half of hurling. Galway created a great goal chance but Rhys Shelly steps up to deny Kevin Cooney. Cathal Mannion delivers with the 65. They've hit just four points from play in the entire half. Tipperary will be far from happy either. They ended that half with four consecutive misses. The game needs a spark from somewhere
Dublin 0-9 Cork 1-8: A more than satisfactory half for the underdogs. They might be surprised by how easy they have had it. Con O'Callaghan may have to don the cape by the end of this. Chris Óg Jones's 11th minute goal the difference. Cork have been so good in changing the point of attack and creating overloads.
, John Fogarty: Dublin 0-9 Cork 1-8: It's difficult to remember Dublin seemingly happy to give up this amount of possession to team in Croke Park. There's no press.
: Kevin Cooney fires off a powerful shot that is saved brilliantly by Rhys Shelly. Tipp put over the 65. A commanding five point lead going in at the break.
: Dublin 0-7 Cork 1-7: Only three shot attempts have failed to hit the mark thus far for Cork. Four for Dublin. Meahwhile, Jones's strike kept out after he had lost Eoin Murchan to take a pass from Mark Cronin. Cork doing nicely.
3, Tipperary 0-15 Galway 0-9: Cathal Mannion claws one back for the Tribesmen.
Dublin 0-7 Cork 1-6. This game sure as hell is not being played on Dublin's terms. Possession most definitely in Cork's favour and their patience combined with Dublin standing off them is working well for them.
Lee Cronin with an excellent score off his left after a sumptuous feign.
Dublin 0-7 Cork 1-5: Dublin seem to be too deep seated in defence. Cork do create goal chances but that might be showing too much respect.
Galway evidently feel there are goals to got here. They've butchered a few half chances now, the latest saw Colm Molloy square across the Conor Whelan who was at least fouled. The surface is very slippery here. High chance of some footwear changes at half-time.
: Meanwhile over in Limerick, Tipp are five to the good after tacking on another three well taken points.
The lack of pressure Dublin are putting on Cork when they're in possession is unusual. Cork have recovered from their early kick-out woes.
: Cluxton misses a free from distance. Soon after Brian Hurley punts over for the Rebels. Good first quarter of an hour for Cork.
Tipperary are on a roll. Five points in a row with Jake Morris already making his mark. Their support are in full voice too.
🔴GOAL⚪️@OfficialCorkGAA draw first blood courtesy of Chris Óg Jones 🩸
— GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) June 21, 2025
Football clips brought to you by @AIB_GAA #TheToughest #DUBvCOR pic.twitter.com/vr3qJ7okHn
Cork have been typically methodical but they have at least scored a couple of points and grown into the game. And in the meantime Jones has hit the back of the net for Cork. The goal was so well-placed and 1-2 without reply for Cork who jump into the lead.
Cork have been typically methodical but they have at least scored a couple of points and grown into the game.
Five minutes in and Dublin are four points to the good. Cork don't appear to have found their shape yet and kick-outs are a difficulty.
Fast start in Thurles for both teams. Cathal Mannion with the latest score for Galway.
: Paddy Small pops it over for Dublin from close for the first point of the game at Croke Park.
Galway have made three late changes to their starting team with TJ Brennan, John Fleming and Tom Monaghan dropping out. Ronan Glennon, Conor Cooney and Colm Molloy come in. It will be interesting to see if Cathal Mannion continues to take frees with Cooney on the field with him. No changes for Tipperary
A bit of the atmosphere has been lost in Croke Park with the news that Con O'Callaghan doesn't start for Dublin. Lorcan O’Dell and Eoin Murchan start in place of Theo Clancy and O’Callaghan. Neil Lordan is the one change for Cork. He comes in for Seán Meehan
Welcome to the second half of Examiner Sport’s live Saturday GAA Championship blog and if the latter pair of ties are as exciting as the drama we’ve just seen in Croke Park, then hold onto your hats. I’m Darragh Leen and Ill be keeping all as up to the minute as possible from the second All-Ireland SHC quarter final from Limerick between Tipp and Galway. Maurice Brosnan is in position at the Gaelic Grounds and will be providing wit and wisdom. John Fogarty meanwhile is at a giddy Croke Park for the All-Ireland SFC preliminary quarter final between Dublin and Cork. After the stunning shock in the hurling, who’s to say the Rebels won’t rattle the favoured Dubs. Stay tuned here to find out
: The Cork and Dublin footballers have some act to follow at HQ after that hurling epic. Meanwhile in Limerick, a pre-match drizzle at the Gaelic Grounds adds a slick surface to what should be a pulsating clash between Galway and Tipperary. I'm now passing you over to Darragh Leen who'll take ye through the evening's two clashes. Let's hope for his sake things aren't quite as hectic...
: Jack O’Connor has just been in for media duties and had some very interesting views on the win in Killarney. First the injury news: He confirmed Barry Dan O’Sullivan won’t see action for the county again this season and admitted things also look bleak for Diarmuid O’Connor who went off with a recurrence of a shoulder injury. The manager said Tony Brosnan suffered a hamstring strain in the Tullamore loss to Meath, the same reason Mike Breen missed out on the Cavan game. Both have a chance for the quarter-final next week. Paul Geaney is still struggling with the shoulder problem picked up in Cork.
: As we begin to turn our thoughts to two very tasty contests still to come, (a pair of 6.15pm throw-ins rapidly approaching) let's first remind ourselves of a half-time note from Paul Keane at HQ. "Dublin were 12/1 outsiders beforehand with a 12-point handicap slapped on them." Tasty bet if you had it.
Here's that post-game chat where Dublin hero, one of many heroes in blue to be fair, Conor Burke gave his thoughts on a total stunner of a result:
A beaming Conor Burke scoops the man of the match award in 14-man Dublin's scarcely believable win over Limerick.
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer
📱 Updates - https://t.co/IOUwPoXApa pic.twitter.com/MIYL5PswBC
: Now that everyone's heart rate has settled somewhat, here is Tony Leen's match report from Kerry's victory over Cavan. Another Championship Saturday where David Clifford's genius was on show early and often...
: Dublin have struck a big blow for Leinster hurling too, of course. On RTE, Donal Og Cusack calls it "a great day for Dublin hurling but a great day for hurling too".
: Here's that remarkable goal-line stand at the death which clinched Dublin's stunning triumph:
Full-time: Limerick 0-28 Dublin 2-24
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
A huge block for Dublin, who advance to the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals at the expense of Limerick. pic.twitter.com/jNyXkuXxlB
Man of the match at Croke Park is Dublin's Conor Burke. His first words after receiving his award: 'Wrecked!' "We're over the moon," he adds. "You could pick so many moments that stand out. It's the hard work. It's the grind. We have to keep pressing on now. We wanted to come in and have a shock here. Thankfully we did."
, Limerick's Championship is over! John Fogarty: Heroes aplenty in that Dublin team. Seán Currie, Ronan Hayes, Brian Hayes to name but three. Limerick were unquestionably out of sorts but for Dublin to do that with 14 men for about 60 minutes of hurling was outrageously good. That shakes up the All-Ireland semi-finals now.
Take a bow, 14-men Dublin. A win of immense proportions. Imagine if they had 15 for the entirety!
Diarmuid Burns goes for goal but it's stopped! Heroic stuff from Dublin.
Limerick free in, goal or bust?
Is that the dagger from Sean Currie? Remarkable score. Limerick reply but Dublin look to be on the edge of a sensational win, three points up with less than two minutes of additional time to go.
Four minutes to be added. Dublin defenders throwing bodies on the line. Gillane sends a 65 wide! HawkEye confirms the miss.
Currie converts to stretch the lead back to three
Brian Hayes puts two between them again! Declan Hannon then sends one badly wide.
Donal Burke on for Dublin, his first action since appearing as a sub against Antrim six weeks ago. Hegarty cuts the margin to one. Dublin's puck-outs being hurt now.
just keep responding, this time Currie. Three-score game again. Limerick reply in a flash but 14-men Dublin still have that cushion.
Aaron Gillane points from a free to make it a two-point game with seven to go.
Is there even time for a breath? Here are those Dublin goals...
Just after Limerick go in front, John Hetherton scores a superb goal for Dublin.
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer
📱 Updates - https://t.co/IOUwPoXApa pic.twitter.com/0mzFyz3H3r
Dublin add a second goal inside a minute, with Cian O'Sullivan finding the back of the net.
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer
📱 Updates - https://t.co/IOUwPoXApa pic.twitter.com/BivEfV968T
: Sean Brennan is asked and Sean Brennan answers with a superb save from Aaron Gillane, deflecting the ball over. Dublin have Limerick shook. But can they hold out? Says Paul Keane: What a save from Dublin goalkeeper Sean Brennan! Adam English picked out a great pass to the unmarked Aaron Gillane who looked all set to hit the net for Limerick. But Brennan tipped it over.
Significant now that the Dublin support streaming in for the second game, the Dublin footballers' clash with Cork, are in fine voice. It has to help the Dublin hurlers as they attempt to pull off their biggest win in years. Another Limerick effort sails wide.
That's some impact from John Hetherton. He was presumably brought on for his height advantage but his goal was all about his terrific handling and ability to swivel and blast to the net. Dublin's second goal, to be fair, from Cian O'Sullivan, came after a high ball in broke kindly off Hetherton. Interesting that Aaron Gillane converted a long-range free there for Limerick. Looks like Diarmaid Byrnes has bene taken off them after missing two earlier. Says John Fogarty: A couple of points have settled Limerick but they have hardly threatened Sean Brennan's goal.
Kerry book their spot in the All-Ireland quarter-finals with some to spare but there were moments of concern too. Tony Leen's match report is coming up.
John Kiely's men look to respond to a stunning 60 seconds.
GOALS (x2) DUBLIN! John Hetherton with a worldy of a goal for Dublin. Then Cian O'Sullivan bangs in another. Wow. This from 14 men is quite something.
Three on the trot for Limerick and they're ahead. Aidan O'Connor with two beautiful efforts followed by a brace of excellent Adam English strikes.
It's tightening up again at HQ!
That’s a nice moment to close the deal for Kerry debutant Tomas Kennedy, who was only drafted in late doors to the squad due to the withdrawal of Mike Breen. The Kerins O’Rahillys U20, who finished his Leaving Cert just yesterday, fists a point in the 66th minute. He is being courted by the AFL, so a championship debut for the Kingdom at Fitzgerald Stadium may help Kerry in the bigger picture.
Big score for Dublin from Sean Currie. Brian Hayes won back possession with a terrific hook on Cathal O'Neill. Hayes punched the air in delight. Currie eventually split the posts. Dublin 0-18 to 0-15 up with 47 minutes played. Says John Fogarty: Like earlier in the half, a Dublin tackle (Ronan Hayes's hook on Cathal O'Neill) paves the way for a Dublin score. Limerick aren't at the races.
The hosts now looking to see this one out with as much ease as possible. They're frustrating Cavan who lose discipline. Shane Ryan is up to convert a two-pointer.
Twelve wides for Dublin now. Limerick's traditional third-quarter surge hasn't been forthcoming just yet. Limerick's touch has been terrible. Downright terrible.
A Dublin line ball has just been turned over and worked out to Gearoid Hegarty who pointed for Limerick. Little wins that all add up. Limerick back to three points down after 43 minutes. They'd fallen five behind at one stage after the restart.
Killian Spillane puts six between them with a smart score.
Lynch added yet another point to his personal tally as the game slows now for an injury stoppage. Can he help Cavan rise again? Here's their goal which threatened to make a real game of it:
🏐GOAL🏐
— GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) June 21, 2025
🔵⚪️Evan Crowe pulls one back for @CavanCoBoardGaa to make it a nine-point game! ⚔️
Football clips brought to you by @AIB_GAA #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/5PpOXRwJFS
Seeing Fergal Whitely dispossess Kyle Hayes to set up that Conor Burke is symptomatic of this lame Limerick display. Limerick are in a pickle.
Big John Hetherton is on for Dublin. The St Vincent's man pulled a long delivery out of the air just seconds into the second-half. Expect more of that to come as Dublin bring a new dimension to their attacking game.
KERRY GOAL What a two pointer from Paddy Lynch - who now has 0-10 - to bring Cavan within four points. Sixty-odd metres out, into the dressing room end, and the Kerry crowd in Killarney is getting edgy now with 12 minutes remaining. But just as they do…who steps up for the GOAL but David Clifford to tap in the finish after Joe O’Connor’s first attempt was blocked. Kerry have been profligate with goal chances but now lead 3-16 to 1-15 just on the hour.
Paddy Lynch with a monster two-pointer, just a sumptuous score, and we have a four-point game. Will Armagh be quaking?
Kerry's first score for 10 minutes comes from Seanie O'Shea but Ryan O'Neill replies promptly. It looked very close to being a two-pointer.
Dublin manager Niall Ó Ceallacháin booked at half-time. Had been complaining a lot to fourth official and linesman in the first half.
Paudie Clifford preparing to make his return off the bench as Kerry look to wrestle momentum back their way. Jack O'Connor planning a couple of imminent changes with 14mins to go.
A glimmer of hope for the visitors in Killarney. Oisin Brady’s attempt falls short, Ger Smith fists it across for Evan Crowe to finish. Hint of a square ball but Cavan won’t mind - especially as it’s followed directly by a two pointer from Jason McLoughlin. And a bad two minutes for Kerry is completed by a point for Cavan’s Padraig Faulkner - and it could have been a goal. Suddenly it’s a six point game.
GOAL FOR CAVAN Evan Crowe becomes the first Cavan man to score a Championship goal against Kerry since 1997. They add a two-pointer soon after as the visitors look for (and perhaps find?) momentum.
: David Clifford could, and prob should, have had the hat-trick but he’s hit it straight at Liam Brady. Gets the next point though to make it 2-07 for himself. He blazes a right-footed effort wide soon after though Kerry management will need to start thinking about a quarter final soon. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the likes of Sean O’Shea make way soon.
Clifford extends his personal tally to 2-07 as Kerry lead by 12. You'd have to wonder if Kerry hold such a commanding lead whether Jack O'Connor may be temped to give his talisman an early breather? Here's that sumptuous second goal of his:
🚨 GOAL 🚨
— GAA+ (@GAAPlusOfficial) June 21, 2025
A lightning @Kerry_Official counter finished off by you-know-who 🤩🔥
Football clips brought to you by @AIB_GAA #TheToughest #KERvCAV pic.twitter.com/uiMUwZiQ1h
Sun is not an issue in Killarney but the umpires behind Shane Ryan's goal continue to have some issues judging scores.
: Dublin manager Niall O Ceallachain made a bee-line to referee Liam Gordon at the whistle. O Ceallachain presumably debated the red card decision but the discussion ended with Gordon showing the Dublin boss a yellow card before he turned and went down the tunnel to join his Dublin team. Still, Dublin are in a great position with a 0-15 to 0-12 lead. The problem for them is they have to play into the breeze now and few teams are capable of picking off points from distance quite like Limerick.
Half-time: Limerick 0-12 Dublin 0-15
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer
📱 Updates - https://t.co/IOUwPoXApa pic.twitter.com/dS0fzGKJwC
A show of defiance from Dublin in the wake of losing their captain Chris Crummey to a red card offence on Gearòid Hegarty. They have been by far the best team since his departure midway through the half. Ronan Hayes and Conor Burke among the stars so far for Dublin. Says colleague Paul Keane: This is remarkable stuff from Dublin really. They were 12/1 outsiders beforehand with a 12-point handicap slapped on them.
After some confusion from the umpires another Lynch effort is ruled wide but a 45 from Cavan's top scorer did open their second-half account.
Tom Morrissey ends a six-point run for Dublin. He has seemed the only outlet in the Limerick half-forward line at times. You'd swear Limerick were the man down and didn't have Dan Morrissey as the spare man.
: Back in play for the second half and Kerry have added a point from, yes, David Clifford, this time with the fist. Conor Geaney then has a goal chance - the Dingle lad has half an impressive opening 35 - but it’s deflected wide for the 45 by Cavan’s Oisin Kiernan. Shane Ryan comes up to take but it’s wide, 2-13 to 0-09
: The last five points have come from Dublin and with each score the confidence rising in them is visible. They are taking on their men almost every time now. A serious pow-wow needed in the Limerick dressing room at half-time.
McBride puts Dublin five clear at HQ. Who needs 15 men?
Clifford hobbling ever so slightly as he, inevitably finds the first score of the second half.
We're back underway in Killarney where Cavan will hope the breeze helps them haul in Kerry's 10-point lead.
It's a fair gust assisting Dublin but the Limerick defence are in sixes and sevens at times. Being blocked down, lack of communication, passes going astray. Dublin's forwards are fighting for everything.
Here's that earlier red card incident which, thus far, hasn't derailed Dublin much at all. Early days and all that...
Dublin are down to 14 men after Chris Crummey sees red for his elbow on Gearóid Hegarty.
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) June 21, 2025
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer
📱 Updates - https://t.co/IOUwPoXApa pic.twitter.com/36cini8lec
Dublin are taking advantage of the stiff wind into the Davin End. They've picked off several long-range points and Cian O'Sullivan has dropped two more attempts short.
Dublin's workrate is something to behold as they edge ahead again.
All but one of Limerick's forwards have scored from play but Dublin are sticking to them admirably. Something unsure about the Limerick display right now even with the extra man.
Limerick have already hit four wides and really have yet to make the numerical advantage count in any meaningful way.
The contest is moving at a serious clip here. The teams have already been level seven times.
The Dubs nudge back in front through a Cian O'Sullivan's score. Terrific response from Dublin to the red card. They've scored four of the five points since then
Couple of interesting match ups in the Limerick attack: Aidan O'Connor being picked up by John Bellew, Paddy Smyth is tracking Aaron Gillane.
Dublin have responded well to the loss of Crummey with a couple of Currie scores. He's just cancelled out a Cian Lynch point. If Dublin are to have any chance, they have to be more alert on Quaid's puck-outs.
Dublin are battling and pull back level after a free and a great long-distance effort
: RED CARD DUBLIN Dublin in real trouble now. Captain Chris Crummey has been red carded for an apparent head high challenge on Gearoid Hegarty. The incident was similar to Richie Hogan's infamous sending off against Tipperary in 2019. It was in more or less the same position on the Croke Park pitch as well. Says colleague John Fogarty: The Dublin captain did catch Hegarty. It's an instinctive reaction not to let a marker slip you like that but it was reckless.
Half time in Killarney and Kerry are well in control, 2-12 to 0-08 after first use of the wind.
1. First Mike Breen (reported to be a hamstring issue) then Diarmuid O’Connor in the opening jumpball, add to the Kingdom’s injury woes. O’Connor’s looked a recurrence of the long-running shoulder problem. It looks bad for a possible quarter final in a week’s time.
2. How David Clifford lifted the mood of a sombre Fitzgerald Stadium with a first half tour de force that featured two goals and a pair of mammoth two-pointers. It gave his colleagues that bit of a surge in everything they did.
3. How good for Kerry management and players is it to have Sean O’Shea, the standard-setter, back on the pitch?
Limerick two ahead approaching the quarter-hour mark. The All-Ireland favourites beginning to turn the screw. Aaron Gillane and Aidan O'Connor have picked off two terrific points. Chris Crummey with three long-range shots for Dublin, ending with just one point. They'll need a greater return than that.
After some patient/laborious approach play Cavan find the half's last act and how they needed it. Lynch lands a priceless two-pointer but they trail by 10 at the break.
Cian Lynch's arms are being pinned by McHugh but he is still able to set up a score from Adam English. Aaron Gillane follows it up with his first from play and Limerick have settled. Dublin hit back with a couple of quick replies.
An eighth Kerry wide of the half looks briefly disputed. Cavan look like they'd take the half-time break and get the breeze at their backs pronto.
In blistering sunshine at HQ, Limerick hit back to back scores to nudge ahead.
Another Lynch free for Cavan but this is feeling like a serious stretch for the visitors here
: Quick puck-outs is the early story, Crummey and Hegarty sending over points from rapid restarts.
: Aaron Gillane drilled his first free wide at the Hill 16 End. It went to Hawk-Eye but it was a foot wide. You don't see that too often from Limerick's placed ball expert.
Tom Morrissey and Chris Crummey trade early points at Croke Park
We’ve just turned 25 minutes in Killarney and David Clifford has helped himself to 2-5 already. His latest two pointer came on the back of a strong turnover from Joe O’Connor. This is evidently a response to the Tullamore effort - I use the word loosely - against Meath. Sean O’Shea has added another two pointer, Kerry’s third to push the lead out to 2-11 to 0-5. Kerry, oft criticised for their dearth of two-point plays, are shooting from all angles today
John Fogarty Wind in favour of Dublin in the first half here at Croke Park. Conor McHugh given the duty of tagging Cian Lynch.
Clifford masterclass is now fully loading. Another booming two-point score.
First point from play for Cavan cuts the gap to eight points.
Kerry defender Tom O’Sullivan is now having a significant influence in the top half of the field, he is fouled and Sean O’Shea makes it 2-07 to 0-04 from the resulting free.
Lynch with a two-pointer off the ground as Cavan try to keep Kerry somewhat within reach.
: He’s taking over, isn’t he? David Clifford ambles deep into Cavan cover, plays a one-two with Paul Murphy and gently deposits the ball in Liam Brady’s goal, via a kiss off the post. It’s now 2-6 to 0-2 for Kerry. This just in from the Dept of Useless Info: The Cavan keeper Liam Brady’s nickname is, of course, Chippy
KERRY GOAL Clifford with an unstoppable finish. He has 2-03 already. What a sumptuous Kerry break from a turnover.
The first two-pointer of the day comes from a stellar left-footed effort from Clifford, his seventh of the campaign from beyond the arc. The hosts are now seven clear.
: Another poor Kerry wide, this one from Clifford coming in off the left. With a man advantage and the breeze in their favour, they could and should be further clear by now. Slightly concerning that Cavan defenders look to be sucking for air already just 14 minutes in. An injury stoppage is a very welcome one.
Cavan have conceded 3-57 in their last two games and their defensive issues are evident here but Kerry may be letting them off a little. The visitors are yet to find a score from play. Still a four-point game.
: Three bad misses in a row from the Kingdom, the last and most presentable being a goal chance at the back stick for Gavin White, but he hits the post from close range, and it’s still 1-03 to 0-02.
Black card for Cavan corner back Niall Carolan after am unseemly tussle off the ball with David Clifford. Ten mins to cool down, and Kerry will look to make hay with the breeze.
: Re that Diarmuid O’Connor haymaker: The remaining hour basically turns into a potential Croke Park audition for Dr Crokes’ Mark O’Shea. Had a promising SFC debut against Cork, but was well beaten in Tullamore by Meath. So he’s got to take this chance to start in a potential All-Ireland quarter final in a week’s time
: The early news from Croke Park is Shane O'Brien replaces Seamus Flanagan in the Limerick squad. A reasonable Limerick crowd have made the trip to the capital.
: Kerry needed a lift, as did the crowd, after that Diarmuid O’Connor blow, and who else to provide it but David Clifford? Skirting a tight line down the side and across the end line he drills home the game’s first goal to put Kerry 1-2 to 0-2 up. The crowd responds with the same venom. Geaney duly adds another point as Kerry start motoring.
KERRY GOAL Who else? Clifford coasts in on goal past some weak Cavan defending and slots home with ease. As ever he makes the tricky look so simple.
David Clifford's jersey is already torn asunder down the front but he shows no signs of discomfort as he slots over a levelling free just inside the arc.
Paddy Lynch puts over another free to nudge Cavan back in front.
Graham O'Sullivan had levelled things but Diarmuid O’Connor is down now getting treatment, but the way he is running, with his arm hanging, does not look good. If this is a recurrence, it’s a potential season ender. Mark O’Shea of Dr Crokes is coming in for the luckless O’Connor. If Kerry hadn’t bad luck at the moment, they’d have no luck. But it’s next man up. Has to be doesn’t it?
And immediately a problem for Kerry with Diarmuid O’Connor holding his shoulder from the jump ball, looks like he landed awkwardly. This could be a real problem for Jack O’Connor and co. Cavan go on the attack from the off and win a free that's slotted over by Paddy Lynch.
: Throw in approaching here in Killarney and there’s a lively wind that will be a factor. Kerry are playing with it in the first half
Just five minutes now til we get rolling in Killarney, where things are on the cloudier side. A reminder of our starting XVs with those pre-match changes for both sides:
: Shane Ryan; Paul Murphy, Jason Foley, Tom O'Sullivan; Brian O Beaglaoich, Tadhg Morley, Gavin White; Joe O'Connor, Sean O'Brien; Diarmuid O'Connor, Sean O'Shea, Graham O'Sullivan; David Clifford, Conor Geaney, Dylan Geaney.
: Liam Brady; Niall Carolan, Oisín Kiernan, Cian Reilly; Brian O'Connell, Ciaran Brady, Padraig Faulkner; Jason McLoughlin, Evan Crowe; Gerard Smith, Dara McVeety, Oisin Brady; Cormac O'Reilly, Paddy Lynch, Seán McEvoy.
: Casting the mind back up to the capital, John Kiely and Limerick find themselves in an unusual scheduling slot, fighting to make to scrape their way into the final four of an All-Ireland Championship. Here's the brilliant Enda McEvoy on how the Treaty men may finally be a normal team but that doesn't make them an ordinary one.
: The team news is in from Fitzgerald Stadium and, as indicated, Beaufort’s Mike Breen misses out for Kerry. He is replaced in the starting XV by Tadhg Morley, with Under 20 Tomas Kennedy coming onto the matchday panel and wearing No.6.
Cavan have three changes to the starting fifteen named on Friday. Oisin Kiernan comes in for Ciaran Brady in defence, Jason McLoughin comes in for midfielder Ryan Donohue and Cian Madden is replaced in attack by Ramor United’s Sean McEvoy.
Just mentioning Ramor United…it has to be the only GAA club in the country with a ‘United’ affix?
Wifi issues at Killarney’s Fitzgerald Stadium may also impact on the electronic ticketing system for supporters entering the ground. Problem is being worked on, we are told.
: Early news from Killarney — Kerry have suffered another serious injury blow with defender Mike Breen ruled out of the Cavan clash at Fitzgerald Stadium. His place in the 26 is taken by Kerins O’Rahilly’s attacker Tomas Kennedy, though that’s obviously not a like-for-like switch.
Good afternoon everyone. Welcome along to our Examiner Sport liveblog of what's shaping to be a Saturday scorcher of Championship action.
The stakes have risen with the temperatures. What you can smell in the air is the peril of straight knockout competition. On deck in the coming hours we have a pair of All-Ireland preliminary quarter finals in the football Championship and two All-Ireland hurling quarter-finals.
It's Joe Callaghan here to help navigate the first half of a hectic day. I hope everyone has their sunscreen handy for the afternoon throw-ins, starting with the visit of Cavan down to Fitzgerald Stadium to face Jack O'Connor's Kerry, with a 3.30pm throw-in. Tony Leen will be on the ground in Killarney to provide updates and analysis.
Next up will be the first half of a Croke Park hurling-football double header where Limerick face Dublin (4.00pm) before it's Cork's turn against the boys in blue, John Cleary's men looking to follow last weekend's victory over Roscommon by dumping the Dubs out of the Championship.
That game throws in at 6.15pm, the same time that arguably the day's standout contest, the meeting of Galway and Tipperary gets going at the Gaelic Grounds with an All-Ireland hurling semi-final at stake. Maurice Brosnan will be our man in Limerick.
So, plenty ahead of us. And plenty behind us too, which means I have some required reading to get stuck into before the action gets going.
Here's Eamonn Fitzmaurice on how Jack O'Connor must lean on experience, honesty and hard truths to help Kerry rebound from last week's chastening defeat to Meath.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
