Shortly less than a year since their last defeat, Jim Gavin's Dublin have suffered what will go down as a shock loss today in Croke Park.
Playing Monaghan in what amounted to a dead-rubber in terms of the National League itself, the Ulster men ran out 2-12 to 0-17 winners.
Although Dublin will scarcely be worried as they turn their attention toward Galway and the League final, the reality that a team has come to Croke Park and overturned the Dubs will undoubtedly give confidence to those counties keeping a closer eye on the Championship to come.
After getting off to their usually strong start, Gavin's side were pegged back when Monaghan's Vinny Corey picked up on a beautifully-weighted pass and finished expertly for the game's first goal.
Vinny Corey rattles the back net, Goal for Monaghan! pic.twitter.com/nDBtyMpvYy
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 25, 2018
The winning of the game came very late on indeed; Monaghan substitute Fintan Kelly drilling over a point in the 4th minute of injury time to seal the win.
Needless to say, there has been an outpouring of delight as Gavin's dominant side finally came undone.
Lads we just beat Dublin the soft bastards in croke Park, is this real life? #HupMonaghan
— Fergal (@ASAP_Fergal) March 25, 2018
Although praise was not short for a Monaghan side that was roundly beaten by Dublin in last year's All-Ireland quarter-final.
Huge confidence boost for Monaghan ahead of championship. It’s Irrelevant what team Dublin put out. Very impressive campaign for monaghan beating Kerry, Tyrone, Dublin & losing narrowly to mayo in round 1.
— Aaron Kernan (@AaronKernan) March 25, 2018
Fully deserved win for Monaghan there played Dublin’s game and played it better. Keeper and Kieran Hughes exceptional. Looking forward to Galway next week. #AllianzLeagueSunday
— Shane Langan (@shanelangan90) March 25, 2018
Great score by Fintan Kelly sees Monaghan edge Dublin. Lovely goal from Jack McCarron helped turn the game. #AllianzLeague
— Colm Shalvey (@ColmShalvey) March 25, 2018
Historic win for @monaghangaa over Dublin. Only the second team, alongside Kerry, to beat them since Donegal famously knocked them out in the 2014 championship 4 yours ago. #AllianzLeagues #gaa #DubVMon #fintankelly #monaghan https://t.co/w4UI56Bx69
— Michael Mc Cague Music (@m_mc_caguemusic) March 25, 2018
We’ll take it! Well done Monaghan #monaghangaa pic.twitter.com/rttHh56Usb
— Paula Prunty (@paulaprunty) March 25, 2018
“Time to split Monaghan in two” #GAA #AllianzLeague
— Kevin Coghlan (@kevin_coghlan) March 25, 2018
I believe that’s the first time Monaghan have beaten Dublin since 2006. Only Dublin’s 2nd loss in 3 years too. Nice day for it in Croke Park. #DUBvMON
— Karl Waters (@detlin808) March 25, 2018
Monaghan beat the Dubs! 💪Put that in your pipe and smoke it #AllianzLeagues #FarneyArmy #DubVMon
— Keith™ (@keith_901) March 25, 2018
Fans may want to contain their expectations of what this result will mean going forward however.
