Kilmacud Crokes claimed their third Dublin SFC title on the spin this afternoon, defeating Ballyboden St Enda's on a scoreline of 1-14 to 0-9 at Parnell Park.
The reigning All-Ireland champions, Kilmacud had not quite hit those heights so far in the 2023 campaign. In fact, Ballyboden had been the form team in this year's championship and many expected the to provide a firm challenge in the decider.
As it turns out, the superior fire power in the Crokes side would prove to be the difference.
The key moment in the game came five minutes into the second half. Shane Walsh was the man that provided it, scoring a stunning solo goal to put his side six points ahead. Sit back and enjoy this one.
#GAABEO 40 nóim@Bodengaa 0-06@KCrokesGAAClub 1-09
Cúl do Cill Mochuda Na Crócaigh! - Shane Walsh leis an gcríoch!
Shane Walsh finishes off his side's counter attack with an outstanding goal!@DubGAAOfficial
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/B4pe2KpchP— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 22, 2023
An incredible finish.
Ballyboden would never quite recover from that point onwards, with Kilmacud Crokes ultimately going on to secure a comfortable victory.
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Shane Walsh surprised by quality of his Dublin county final goal
Shane Walsh's move to Kilmacud Crokes in 2022 was a controversial one, although it has certainly borne fruit for both the player and the club. Following on from county, provincial, and All-Ireland honours during his debut campaign, the Dublin club will be viewed as favourites to retain those remaining two titles over the coming months.
Speaking to TG4 after the game, the Galway star admitted that the finish he produced was a more difficult one that he had initially though.
#GAABEO Lán Ama
"You know as a forward if you've got a defender scrambling you've got a chance!"
Labhair Shane Walsh linn i ndiaidh an cluiche inniu.@KCrokesGAAClub | @DubGAAOfficial
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV pic.twitter.com/2G80yDEPuJ— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 22, 2023
I just put everything into it. I knew when I got the ball that it was kind of on, I just took on my man. Once I got the gap I put everything into the finish,, thankfully it went in.
I missed a few in the warmup, but thankfully in the game it went in...
We got a great turnover, Hugh [Kenny] transferred the ball up for me. At that stage it was just a case of eyes on goal, I had defenders on the back of me.
I probably didn't realise it was that far our to be honest looking back on it! I just said at the time if I could get on the outside of him and get to this spot here, I would hit it. Thankfully it went in...
Straight away I was going for goal.
A top class strike, one that was even better than Shane Walsh himself had initially thought.
Kilmacud Crokes will enjoy the celebrations on the back of their county title win tonight, with their focus quickly shifting towards the upcoming provincial campaign from that point. They will certainly fancy their chances of going all the way to Croke Park again this season.
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