2023 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final
The 2023 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final was the 136th final of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship and the culmination of the 2023 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship. The match was played at Croke Park in Dublin on 30 July 2023.[1][2][3]
| Event | 2023 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship |
|---|---|
| Date | 30 July 2023 |
| Venue | Croke Park, Dublin |
| Man of the Match | Paul Mannion |
| Referee | David Gough (Meath) |
| Attendance | 82,300 |
| Weather | Mostly cloudy with showers 17 °C (63 °F) |
← 2022 2024 → | |
Defending champions Kerry took on Leinster champions Dublin. Dublin won the final by two points, on a scoreline of 1–15 to 1–13 to claim their 31st title.[4]
The game was televised nationally on RTÉ2 as part of The Sunday Game live programme, presented by Joanne Cantwell from the Croke Park studio, with analysis from Ciarán Whelan, Peter Canavan and Tomás Ó Sé.[5] Match commentary was provided by Darragh Maloney, assisted by Éamonn Fitzmaurice.[6] The game was also televised on BBC Two and internationally on GAAGO for the first time.[7]
An average of 971,000 people watched the game, with a peak figure of 1.24 million as the match reached its climax. The game received a 77% audience share.[8][9]
Background Edit
Kerry were aiming to retain the All-Ireland title, which they have not done since 2006–2007.[10]
Dublin have won the last nine All-Ireland SFC finals they appeared in (1995, 2011, 2013, 2015–20); they have not lost a final since 1994.[11]
Kerry and Dublin had met in 14 previous All-Ireland finals, with Kerry winning eight of these and Dublin six.[12]
Between them, the two counties have the majority of All-Ireland Senior Football Championships: Kerry having 38 wins (the last in 2022) and Dublin having 30 (the last in 2020). Adding in 2023, this gives a total of 69, out of 136 years in which the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship has been completed.[13]
Paths to the final Edit
Dublin Edit
| 23 April 2023 Leinster quarter-final | Laois | 2–9 – 4–30 | Dublin | Portlaoise |
| 3:30pm | Report | Stadium: Laois Hire O'Moore Park Referee: Barry Judge (Sligo) |
| 30 April 2023 Leinster semi-final | Kildare | 0–12 – 0–14 | Dublin | Dublin |
| Stadium: Croke Park Attendance: 30,499[14] Referee: Fergal Kelly (Longford) |
| 14 May 2023 Leinster final | Louth | 0–15 – 5–21 | Dublin | Dublin |
| S Mulroy (0-10, 7f, 1'45), C Grimes (0-2), L Jackson (0-1), C Downey (0-1), C Lennon (0-1) | Report | S Bugler (1-3), C Costello (0-5, 3f, 1'45), P Mannion (1-1, 1f), C O'Callaghan (0-4), C Kilkenny (0-3), J McCarthy (1-0), C Basquel (1-0), P Small (1-0), J McCaffrey (0-2), J Small (0-1), S McMahon (0-1), D Rock (0-1) | Stadium: Croke Park Attendance: 40,115[15] Referee: Conor Lane (Cork) |
| 28 May 2023 All-Ireland group stage | Dublin | 1–11 – 0–14 | Roscommon | Dublin |
| 16:00 IST (UTC+1) | Cormac Costello 0–7 (0–2f, 0–2 '45), John Small 1–0, Seán Bugler 0–2, Con O'Callaghan 0–2 | Report | Ciaráin Murtagh 0–5 (0–2f), Diarmuid Murtagh 0–3 (0–2f), Ciarán Lennon 0–2, Donie Smith 0–1 (0–1f), Conor Cox 0–1 (0–1f), Niall Daly 0–1, Enda Smith 0–1 | Stadium: Croke Park Attendance: 30,802 Referee: Barry Cassidy |
| 3 June 2023 All-Ireland group stage | Kildare | 0–13 – 0–22 | Dublin | Kilkenny |
| 17:00 IST (UTC+1) | Neil Flynn 0–5 (0–1f), Ben McCormack 0–3, Paddy Woodgate 0–1 (0–1f), Kevin Feely 0–1 (0–1m), Kevin O'Callaghan 0–1, Aaron Masterson 0–1, Darragh Kirwan 0–1 | Report | Colm Basquel 0–5, Dean Rock 0–4 (0–2f), Con O'Callaghan 0–4, Seán Bugler 0–3, Paul Mannion 0–2, Brian Fenton 0–1, Niall Scully 0–1, Killian O'Gara 0–1, Tom Lahiff 0–1 | Stadium: UPMC Nowlan Park Attendance: 8,216[16] Referee: Sean Hurson |
| 18 June 2023 All-Ireland group stage | Dublin | 3–23 – 0–8 | Sligo | Cavan |
| 13:45 IST (UTC+1) | Con O'Callaghan 1–5, Colm Basquel 1–3 (0–1f), Paddy Small 0–5 (0–3f), Lee Gannon 0–3, Eoin Murchan 1–0, Seán Bugler 0–2, Paul Mannion 0–2, Brian Howard 0–1, John Small 0–1, Ciarán Kilkenny 0–1 | Report | Sean Carrabine 0–4 (0–2f, 0–1 '45), Niall Murphy 0–2, Darragh Cummins 0–1, Patrick O'Connor 0–1 | Stadium: Kingspan Breffni Referee: Niall Cullen |
| 2 July 2023 All-Ireland quarter-final | Dublin | 2–17 – 0–11 | Mayo | Dublin |
| 16:00 IST (UTC+1) | Colm Basquel 2–2, Cormac Costello 0–5 (0–3f), James McCarthy 0–2, Paul Mannion 0–2, Con O'Callaghan 0–2, Brian Fenton 0–1, Ciarán Kilkenny 0–1, Paddy Small 0–1, Dean Rock 0–1 | Report | Ryan O'Donoghue 0–5 (0–2f), Tommy Conroy 0–2, Aidan O'Shea 0–1 (0–1f), Colm Reape 0–1 (0–1 '45), Paddy Durcan 0–1, Jordan Flynn 0–1 | Stadium: Croke Park Referee: David Gough |
| 15 July 2023 All-Ireland semi-final | Dublin | 1–17 – 0–13 | Monaghan | Dublin |
| 17:30 IST (UTC+1) | Cormac Costello 0–7 (0–3f 0–1m), Dean Rock 1–1 (0–1f), Paul Mannion 0–2 (0–1m), Con O'Callaghan 0–2, Brian Fenton 0–2, Jack McCaffrey 0–1, Paddy Small 0–1, Lee Gannon 0–1 | Report | Conor McManus 0–5 (0–2f, 0–1m), Rory Beggan 0–3 (0–3 '45), Gary Mohan 0–1, Micheál Bannigan 0–1, Stephen O'Hanlon 0–1, Ryan McAnespie 0–1, Jack McCarron 0–1 | Stadium: Croke Park Referee: Sean Hurson (Tyrone) |
Kerry Edit
| 22 April 2023 Munster semi-final | Kerry | 0–25 – 0–05 | Tipperary | Killarney |
| 4:00pm | Report | Stadium: Fitzgerald Stadium Attendance: 6,939[17] Referee: Conor Lane (Cork) |
| 7 May 2023 Munster final | Kerry | 5–14 – 0–15 | Clare | Limerick |
| Report | Stadium: Gaelic Grounds Attendance: 12,499[18] Referee: Jerome Henry (Mayo) |
| 20 May 2023 All-Ireland group stage | Kerry | 0–17 – 1–19 | Mayo | Killarney |
| 15:00 IST (UTC+1) | David Clifford 0–8 (0–3f), Seán O'Shea 0–3 (0–2f, 0–1 '45), Paul Geaney 0–3, Tom O'Sullivan 0–2, Dara Moynihan 0–1 | Report | Ryan O'Donoghue 0–5 (0–2f), Aidan O'Shea 0–3 (0–2f, 0–1m), James Carr 0–3, Eoghan McLaughlin 1–0, Matthew Ruane 0–2, Pádraig O'Hora 0–1, Donnacha McHugh 0–1, Jason Doherty 0–1, Jack Carney 0–1, Jordan Flynn 0–1, Paddy Durcan 0–1 | Stadium: Fitzgerald Stadium Attendance: 23,128 Referee: Sean Hurson |
| 3 June 2023 All-Ireland group stage | Cork | 0–15 – 1–14 | Kerry | Cork |
| 15:00 IST (UTC+1) | Brian Hurley 0–6 (0–5f, 0–1m), Seán Powter 0–2, Steven Sherlock 0–2, Eoghan McSweeney 0–2, Brian O'Driscoll 0–1, Killian O'Hanlon 0–1, Chris Óg Jones 0–1 | Report | David Clifford 1–5 (1–0 pen, 0–1f), Seán O'Shea 0–5 (0–2f), Paudie Clifford 0–2, Tom O'Sullivan 0–1, Adrian Spillane 0–1 | Stadium: Páirc Uí Chaoimh Attendance: 14,081 Referee: David Gough |
| 18 June 2023 All-Ireland group stage | Kerry | 5–24 – 0–11 | Louth | Portlaoise |
| 14:00 IST (UTC+1) | Seán O'Shea 1–8 (0–3f, 0–1m), David Clifford 2–4 (1–0 pen, 0–1m), Paudie Clifford 1–2, Tony Brosnan 0–3 (0–1m), Diarmuid O'Connor 0–3, Mike Breen 1–0, Tom O'Sullivan 0–2, Dara Moynihan 0–2 | Report | Dylan McKeown 0–2 (0–1f), Ciarán Downey 0–2, Conor Grimes 0–2, Sam Mulroy 0–1 (0–1f), Niall Sharkey 0–1, Liam Jackson 0–1, Anthony Williams 0–1, Conor Early 0–1 | Stadium: Laois Hire O'Moore Park Referee: James Molloy |
| 1 July 2023 All-Ireland quarter-final | Kerry | 2–18 – 0–12 | Tyrone | Dublin |
| 15:45 IST (UTC+1) | Seán O'Shea 1–5 (0–2f), David Clifford 0–5 (0–3f, 0–1m), Diarmuid O'Connor 1–2, Adrian Spillane 0–2, Paul Geaney 0–1, Paudie Clifford 0–1, Tom O'Sullivan 0–1, Stephen O'Brien 0–1 | Report | Darren McCurry 0–4 (0–4f), Darragh Canavan 0–2, Ruairí Canavan 0–2, Cathal McShane 0–2, Michael McKernan 0–1, Mattie Donnelly 0–1 | Stadium: Croke Park Referee: Brendan Cawley |
| 16 July 2023 All-Ireland semi-final | Kerry | 1–17 – 1–15 | Derry | Dublin |
| 16:00 IST (UTC+1) | David Clifford 0–9 (4f 1m); Sean O'Shea 0–4 (1f), Gavin White 1–0, Paudie Clifford 0–1, Diarmuid O'Connor 0–1, Shane Ryan 0–1, Stephen O'Brien 0–1 | Report | Shane McGuigan 0–6 (3f); Gareth McKinless 1–0, Brendan Rogers 0–2, Padraig Cassidy 0–2, Ciaran McFaul, 0–2, Padraig McGrogan 0–1, Odhran Lynch 0–1, Conor Doherty 0–1 | Stadium: Croke Park Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan) |
Pre-match Edit
Demand for tickets for the final was high. The scramble for coaches and trains was also unmatched. Additional Iarnród Éireann services were added to accommodate people travelling to the final and other events taking place in Dublin during the weekend.[19][20]
On 20 July, Meath's David Gough was named as referee for the final, his second All-Ireland SFC final.[21][22]
Immediately prior to the match, the Galway team that won the 1998 All-Ireland final was presented to the crowd.[23] A tribute was paid by GAA fans to Sinéad O'Connor when "Nothing Compares 2 U" was played on the big screen at Croke Park in honour of O'Connor.[24][25]
Match Edit
Summary Edit
Prior to the game, Kerry were the slight favourites to win.[26] David Clifford had a frustrating day, with three second half wides, ending up with two points from play. Dublin picked up three first half yellow cards for Paddy Small, Colm Basquel and Lee Gannon with a lot of hard hitting but little flowing football. Paul Mannion, marked by Jason Foley, kicked two first half points, and Brian Fenton claimed another. Stephen Cluxton landed a '45 and a free, with Cormac Costello hitting one from a free near goal. Kerry found it hard to penetrate Dublin, with Eoin Murchan following Paudie Clifford and Michael Fitzsimons keeping Clifford relatively quiet but the Kerry captain suffered from a lack of supply. A tense and cagey first half ended dramatically with a Kerry goal from Paul Geaney, set up by a magical pass by Clifford from near the corner flag at the Hill 16 end, giving the defending champions a 1-04 to 0-06 lead.
The second goal of the game had come in the 46th minute. Kerry had begun the second half with more conviction, Paudie Clifford making his presence felt, and led by three points when Small struck. Killian Spillane came on for Kerry and levelled with a fine score. However, they didn't score for the next 15 minutes by which time Dublin had regained the lead in the 67th minute and Kerry's title was on the line, until a Seán O'Shea free levelled it again in the first minute of injury time. Dublin went ahead for the final time in additional time as Mannion kicked over his fifth point. David Clifford kicked his third wide of the half four minutes later and a Mike Breen foul on Basquel was penalised by Dean Rock. They had the last say with the final two scores to seal an incredible victory for Dessie Farrell, his second as manager.[27][28][29]
Details Edit
Report |
| Dublin | 1–15 – 1–13 | Kerry |
|---|---|---|
| (HT: 0–6 – 1–4) | ||
| Gls: Paddy Small 1 Pts: Paul Mannion 5 (1f), Paddy Small 1, Colm Basquel 2, Stephen Cluxton 2 (1 '45', 1f), Brian Fenton 2, Brian Howard 1, Cormac Costello 1f, Dean Rock 1f | Gls: Paul Geaney 1 Pts: Seán O'Shea 5 (4fs), Paul Geaney 1, David Clifford 3 (1f), Paudie Clifford 3, Killian Spillane 1 | |
Dublin | Kerry |
| Man of the Match: |
Post-match Edit
Dublin captain James McCarthy accepted the Sam Maguire Cup from GAA president Larry McCarthy in the Hogan Stand, becoming the first Dublin captain from Ballymun Kickhams to do so.[30] In his post-match speech, an emotional McCarthy paid tribute to manager Dessie Farrell and admitted that the team had done a lot of soul searching in the previous two years.[31] McCarthy joined his fellow teammates Stephen Cluxton and Michael Fitzsimons to earn nine All-Ireland SFC medals.[32]
Reaction Edit
Dean Rock and James McCarthy spoke to RTÉ after the match, both hinting that the final might be their last game for Dublin. Speaking to RTÉ Sport, McCarthy said: "It was a tough two years. We were disappointed with how we handled ourselves, disappointed with how we lost two semi-finals".[33][34] Rock admitted he needed to weigh up his options: "That could be my last game in blue".[35][36]
Paul Mannion speaking to RTÉ after the match reflected on another All-Ireland with Dublin: "It's so sweet to get it back. I knew we had another one in us".[37]
Dublin manager Dessie Farrell paid tribute to his players after they showed "character in abundance" to fight back and beat Kerry. Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Farrell said: "I'm delighted for the players and their families, their partners, their wives. Huge commitment, huge sacrifice and they showed great character."[38]
Kerry manager Jack O'Connor said Paddy Small's goal was a "huge turning point" in the match. Speaking to RTÉ Sport, O'Connor said: "We were well in that game and I thought at stages in the second half we were almost in control of the game."[39]
Highlights of the final were shown on The Sunday Game programme which aired at 9:30pm that night on RTÉ2 and was presented by Jacqui Hurley.[40]
Awards Edit
Paul Mannion won the man of the match award which was presented by GAA president Larry McCarthy at the Dublin team's celebration banquet in Dublin.[41] Dublin captain James McCarthy won The Sunday Game Footballer of the Year award.[42] The Sunday Game panel also picked their 2023 Team of the Year on the Sunday night programme, with six members of the Dublin team and five members of the Kerry team included.[43]
Celebrations Edit
The Dublin team had a homecoming celebration the day after the final at Smithfield Square in Dublin where thousands of fans lined the streets which started at 6:30 pm, with RTÉ's Gaelic Games correspondent Marty Morrissey as MC.[44][45][46][47] The Dublin team paid a visit to Temple Street Children's Hospital earlier in the day, meeting some of the young fans who were unable to make it to Croke Park.[48] The Samuel Beckett Bridge lit up in blue to celebrate the team's achievement.[49]
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered in Killarney the day after the final to welcome home the Kerry team, the runners-up.[50]
References Edit
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- ^ "Shake up expected in 2023 GAA Football Calendar – Gaelic Football". 22 September 2022.
- ^ "Football League finals set to go ahead in 2023 while All-Ireland final dates moved after Central Council meeting". independent.
- ^ Neville, Conor (30 July 2023). "Dublin finish strongly to edge Kerry in All-Ireland final clash of titans". RTÉ News. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Ryan, Eoin (30 July 2023). "All-Ireland SFC final: Dublin v Kerry updates". RTÉ News. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Hynes, Robert (30 July 2023). "Dublin medics sent off the pitch during All-Ireland final following collision". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ McMahon, James (28 July 2023). "All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final: All you need to know for Dublin v Kerry". RTÉ News. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ "Over one million viewers watched All-Ireland SFC final on RTÉ". RTÉ News. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Over one million viewers watch Dublin defeat Kerry in All Ireland football final". Irish Examiner. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "2007 All-Ireland SFC final: Kerry trounce sad Cork - HoganStand". www.hoganstand.com.
- ^ "Countdown: All-Ireland SFC final replay". Dublin GAA. 9 September 2019.
- ^ "Dublin v Kerry: The 29 Championship encounters since 1892 that have defined an epic rivalry". Independent.ie. 30 August 2019.
- ^ "Gaelic football's 'big two' seem set for final showdown". Westmeath Independent. 12 July 2023.
- ^ "Kildare provide Dublin with their sternest stress test in Leinster for over a decade". Irish Times. Retrieved 30 April 2023.
- ^ "Mickey Harte believes Dublin 'have found an angst in their game again' after 21-point trimming". Irish Times. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ^ "Dublin cruise to comfortable win over Kildare". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
- ^ "Tipperary no match for All-Ireland champions Kerry in one-sided semi-final". Tipperary Live. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
- ^ "Goal-happy Kerry rout Clare in one-sided Munster final". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 15 May 2023.
- ^ Hyland, Paul (24 July 2023). "Irish Rail issues travel warning to All-Ireland fans and commuters as 'three huge events coincide' this weekend". Irish Independent. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Duffy, Muireann (25 July 2023). "Extra trains added for All-Ireland Football final as supporters warned of high demand". BreakingNews.ie. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ "David Gough to referee 2023 All-Ireland SFC final". GAA.ie. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ "David Gough appointed ref for Dublin-Kerry All-Ireland final". RTÉ News. 20 July 2023. Retrieved 21 July 2023.
- ^ "Important information for supporters attending All-Ireland SFC Final". GAA.ie. 27 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Doherty, Oisin (30 July 2023). "GAA fans pay poignant tribute to Sinead O'Connor before All-Ireland final". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Stanley, Colman (30 July 2023). "Dara Ó Briain Explains To BBC The Greatness Of The GAA's Tribute To Sinéad O'Connor". Balls.ie. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Jennings, David (29 July 2023). "All-Ireland Football Championship final predictions and Dublin v Kerry betting tips: Champions can retain their title". Racing Post. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Fogarty, John (30 July 2023). "Dublin dethrone Kerry to land first All-Ireland Football title in three years". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Crowe, Dermot (30 July 2023). "Dublin are All-Ireland champions again following enthralling victory over Kerry at Croke Park". Irish Independent. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Gault, Matt (30 July 2023). "GAA All-Ireland Football final: Dublin 1-15 Kerry 1-13 - Dubs reclaim Sam Maguire Cup". BBC Sport. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ O'Connell, Cian (30 July 2023). "All-Ireland SFC Final: Dublin finish with a flourish". GAA.ie. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Costello, Lee (30 July 2023). "James McCarthy and Dean Rock suggest they may bow out after All-Ireland glory". SportsJOE.ie. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ "'A perfect 10?' Trio of Dublin niners overtake Kerry greats in the pantheon". Irish Examiner. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ "Greatest day leaves James McCarthy on cloud nine". RTÉ News. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Donlon, Mark (30 July 2023). "James McCarthy hints at retirement after landing record NINTH All-Ireland medal". Extra.ie. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ The Sunday Game [@TheSundayGame] (30 July 2023). "Dean Rock celebrates his All-Ireland win with his daughter Sadie on her first birthday. "It's been a magical time"" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 July 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ Roche, Frank (30 July 2023). "Dean Rock: 'That probably could be my last act playing for Dublin'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ The Sunday Game [@TheSundayGame] (30 July 2023). ""It's so sweet to get it back. I knew we had another one in us." Paul Mannion reflects on another All-Ireland with Dublin" (Tweet). Retrieved 30 July 2023 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Dessie Farrell: We'll never see the likes of Dublin veterans again". RTÉ News. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ "Jack O'Connor: Small goal a big turning point in All-Ireland final". RTÉ News. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "SPORT ON RTÉ2 Week 31". RTÉ.ie. 29 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
- ^ Doherty, Oisin (30 July 2023). "Paul Mannion named man of the match for All-Ireland final". Irish Mirror. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "James McCarthy leads the way in Sunday Game Team of the Year". RTÉ News. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Mahoney, Donny (30 July 2023). "The Sunday Game's Gaelic Football Team Of The Year For 2023 Has Been Named". Balls.ie. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Mulgrew, Seoirse (31 July 2023). "Dubliners raise the roof as All-Ireland winners welcomed home at giant outdoor party". Irish Independent. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Celebration event held in Dublin after All-Ireland win". RTÉ News. 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ "Senior Footballers' Homecoming Celebration to take place in Smithfield on Monday". Dublin GAA. 30 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Sewell, Piper (31 July 2023). "Dublin footballers' homecoming celebration taking place in Smithfield this evening". Hot Press. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Kelly, Darragh (31 July 2023). "Dublin players visit Temple St Children's Hospital". Irish Independent. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Slater, Sarah (30 July 2023). "Dublin celebrates 31st All-Ireland football title: 'Let's have a party for the boys in blue'". The Irish Times. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
- ^ Fernane, Stephen (31 July 2023). "Tralee fans upset as single-venue homecoming confirmed for Killarney – 'All fans want to do is show their appreciation'". Irish Independent. Retrieved 31 July 2023.