Scully and Lahiff shine again for the Blues
By Daire Walsh
NIALL Scully and Tom Lahiff played their part as Dublin booked their place in the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship semi-final following a 0-21 to 0-10 triumph over Cork at Croke Park on Saturday.
From rival neighbouring clubs Templeogue Synge Street and St Jude’s respectively, Scully and Lahiff operated around the middle-third throughout and had a hand in a number of scores and attacking moves over the course of the game.
Lining up alongside two-time Footballer of the Year Brian Fenton in midfield, Lahiff chipped in with a fine point to cap an accomplished display. Scully may not have gotten his name on the scoresheet, but was an assured presence on his return to the starting 15.
While Dublin only led by three points (0-10 to 0-7) at the midway stage in their quarter-final duel with the Rebels on Saturday, they gradually increased the gap on the resumption with Lorcan O’Dell (Templeogue Synge Street) and Cian Murphy (Thomas Davis) appearing off the bench to help the Leinster champions close out the tie.
Although it’s another step in the right direction for Dublin in the race for the Sam Maguire Cup, their forthcoming last-four meeting against Kerry in Croke Park on July 10 will be a different kettle of fish.
The Blues have held the upper hand over the Kingdom in their recent championship clashes, but the Munster giants will be high on confidence following their own emphatic win over Mayo on Sunday.