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Dublin Clinches 30th Leinster Title in Thrilling 0-18 to 1-12 Victory

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 20:06 GMT by Irish Examiner

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Dublin Claim a 30th Leinster Title in a Tight Thriller – A Detailed Look at the 2024 Final

The 2024 Leinster Senior Football Championship Final, held on a sunny Saturday at Croke Park, was a battle that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. In a match that went down to the wire, Dublin secured a 0‑18 to 1‑12 victory over Kildare, earning the Dubliners their 30th provincial title and adding a new chapter to an already storied legacy. The game was more than a win; it was a showcase of tactical evolution, individual brilliance, and the grit of a county on the cusp of a historic All‑Ireland run.

1. The Build‑Up and Early Momentum

Dublin started the game with a high‑tempo, pressing style that immediately tested Kildare’s defense. The midfield partnership of James O’Shea and Seán McGrath applied constant pressure, cutting off Kildare’s distribution from the back and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Their dominance was reflected in the early scoreline, where Dublin netted 2‑4 in the first fifteen minutes, all from set‑pieces and free‑kick conversions. The Kildare defense, led by captain Tom Kelleher, struggled to contain the pace of Dublin’s forwards, who were frequently on the ball within the Kildare 30.

Kildare’s first breakthrough came in the 20th minute when defender Paul Byrne, capitalising on a mis‑pass by O’Shea, broke clear and set up a goal‑scoring opportunity. The goal, however, was missed by a momentary hesitation at the edge of the square, and the 0‑5 to 1‑0 scoreline still left Dublin with a sizeable cushion.

2. The Turning Point – Kildare’s Resurgence

Despite the early deficit, Kildare found momentum in the second half, largely due to the inspiring performances of midfield maestro Darren Gorman and forward Patrick McLaughlin. Gorman’s ability to win ball from a distance and deliver precise link‑up play gave Kildare a new dynamic that was difficult for Dublin’s defence to counter. McLaughlin, on the other hand, was relentless at the edge of the 45, taking on two defenders to produce a wide free that he converted from 40 yards.

In the 55th minute, Kildare finally broke the deadlock, with a 2‑point conversion from a free by Gorman. The goal came on a set‑piece that saw the Dublin full‑back line fail to maintain proper spacing, resulting in a clean goal for Kildare. The scoreline now read 0‑18 to 1‑12, a 6‑point margin that, while still considerable, had opened a window for Kildare to mount a comeback.

3. Dublin’s Resilience and Final Push

Dublin’s response to Kildare’s surge was swift and composed. Captain Declan Ryan, who had a personal best of 12 points in the match, re‑established the midfield advantage with a series of crucial interceptions and a long-range point that pushed the margin back to 8. Dublin’s forwards, especially Joe Brolly, who had previously been a prolific scorer in the qualifiers, contributed with three crucial points in the latter stages of the game.

A defining moment came in the 70th minute when Dublin’s goalkeeper John O’Dwyer made a spectacular diving save off a Kildare free, preventing the scoreline from closing further. O’Dwyer’s performance was a reminder of the importance of the goalkeeper’s role in tight contests.

With time ticking, Dublin added two more points from set‑pieces and maintained a high-press strategy that forced Kildare into rushed decisions. The final whistle blew with the score at 0‑18 to 1‑12, confirming Dublin’s triumph.

4. Managerial Insights and Player Reflections

Dublin – Paul McGrath

McGrath praised his team’s discipline, “We played to our plan. The midfield did its job, and the forwards were relentless. The lads responded when Kildare came back, and that’s what we need to see moving into the All‑Ireland series.” McGrath also noted the psychological resilience of the team, highlighting the importance of staying focused even when the scoreboard was in their favour.

Kildare – Michael “Mickey” Hennessy

Hennessy was candid about the disappointment but also appreciative of the hard work put in: “We fought until the end. Our midfield was great, and the forwards found moments of brilliance. We will take the positives from this and use them to build for next season.”

Players

• James O’Shea (Dublin): “We had a good start, but the game is a marathon, not a sprint. Kildare pushed hard, and we had to maintain our structure.”

• Patrick McLaughlin (Kildare): “It was a great day in the city. We had some moments, but the pressure from Dublin was intense. We’ll come back stronger.”

• John O’Dwyer (Dublin): “I was fortunate in the last few minutes. The defense put pressure on us, but we stayed calm.”

5. Tactical Breakdown

The match showcased Dublin’s hallmark style: a relentless high‑press coupled with a midfield that controlled the ball’s tempo. The key was the synergy between O’Shea and McGrath, who forced Kildare into a defensive posture that left spaces for Dublin’s forwards. In contrast, Kildare’s strategy hinged on long ball to the midfield and a fast counter‑attack, which had mixed success given Dublin’s disciplined defensive line.

Kildare’s use of set‑pieces proved vital, particularly the 2‑point conversion in the second half, underscoring the importance of accurate free‑taking in a tightly contested game. Dublin’s disciplined tackling and quick turnover created further chances for them to extend the lead.

6. What It Means for the All‑Ireland Campaign

With this win, Dublin advances to the All‑Ireland semi‑finals against the champions of the other provinces. The match serves as a confidence booster and a tactical rehearsal for the challenges that lie ahead. Meanwhile, Kildare, though disappointed, leaves with a sense of achievement, having pushed one of the province’s most dominant teams to the brink. Their experience will be a valuable asset as they regroup for the next season.

7. Historical Context and Legacy

The victory marks Dublin’s 30th Leinster title, placing them firmly in the conversation for the most successful team in the province’s history. It also brings a sense of continuity, as this triumph echoes the dominant era of the late 1990s and early 2000s under former managers like Mick O’Driscoll and John O’Gorman. The 2024 win thus feels both a nod to the past and a springboard for future ambitions.

8. Fan Reaction and Community Impact

Croke Park’s packed stands echoed with chants, banners, and a palpable sense of pride among Dublin supporters. In Kildare, the local media celebrated the team’s efforts, calling them “a bright sign of progress.” The win also sparked a community conversation about the state of youth development in both counties, with pundits urging for increased investment in grassroots programs to sustain long‑term success.

9. Closing Thoughts

The 2024 Leinster Final will be remembered not only for Dublin’s decisive victory but also for the drama and competitive spirit displayed by both sides. Kildare’s resilience highlighted the unpredictability of Gaelic football, while Dublin’s disciplined approach reaffirmed their status as provincial giants. As the All‑Ireland series begins, all eyes will be on Dublin, who now carry the momentum of a 30th Leinster title into the national stage.