Dublin have soared into the All-Ireland semi-finals with yet another commanding victory. The Boys in Blue beat Roscommon by 18 points in Croke Park this evening.
Dean Rock palmed a goal into the back of the net for Dublin after 15 minutes and at that moment the modest crowd at GAA HQ knew this game was only going to go one way.
Roscommon were dealt a blow on the stroke of half-time as Conor Daly was sent off for a black card after a yellow.
The Dubs led by 11 points going in at the break and then at the start of the second half Jim Gavin's side totally outclassed the Westerners.
Former footballer of the year Michael Darragh McCauley scored a rocket of a goal and Dean Rock followed with two frees and the champions were out of reach for Anthony Cunningham's side.
The Rossies may have sent six points over in the next 20 minutes while Dublin only scored one but it wasn't enough and a seven-point flourish from the Boys in Blue was the cherry on top to see it finish up 2-26 to 14 points.
Michael Darragh Macauley with a goal for @DubGAAOfficial. pic.twitter.com/jYpYfuTvR0
— The GAA (@officialgaa) July 20, 2019
Possibly one of the most interesting nuggets to take from today's rather unentertaining game was John Small's younger brother Paddy who scored two points.
Jim Gavin praised the young Ballymun Kickhams player "Paddy's got a great attitude, he's a proud Dub. He wants to do his best in a Dublin jersey. He's putting his best foot forward in the background, in the shadows, he's preparing really, really well."
Gavin also spoke about the return of Diarmuid Connolly to training and where in this team he may fit in after playing in a defensive role with his club St Vincent's recently.
"Like a lot of players he can play in multiple positions, like any player we have on the squad - if they're fit and training well they'll be available for selection and then it's up to us to try and pick the best 26 to represent the county on matchday."
Conolly wasn't included in today's matchday squad as the speculation as to whether we'll see him don a jersey this season continues.
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