Dublin's 100% record in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League remains intact, after a pulsating 0-18 to 2-10 win over Cork at Páirc Uí Chaoimh.
Both teams finished with 14 players on the field, in a contest that ebbed and flowed.
John Cleary's charges were widely praised for going toe-to-toe with second-tier favourites, but ultimately will be disappointed with a missed opportunity.
Dublin edge Cork in nail-biter
The Rebels started in impressive fashion, taking the game to the Leinster champions.
Direct balls into the inside forward line of Brian Hurley and Chris Óg Jones were causing the Dubs real problems, and Hurley scored four excellent first-half points.
They then struck for goal in the 22nd minute, with Eoghan McSweeney with a smart finish for the green flag.
The Rebels had the ball in the net once again shortly afterwards, but it was ruled out for a square ball.
The Rebels cut through the Dublin defence to score a brilliant goal! - Eoghan McSweeney with the finish. pic.twitter.com/gIzlAadXkz
— The GAA (@officialgaa) February 19, 2023
Dublin took a 0-10 to 1-6 lead into half-time. The game was flipped on its head shortly after the restart, however. Ian Maguire gave a brief tug on the jersey of Dean Rock, and it was deemed enough for him to be awarded a second yellow card.
Horrific challenge from Ian Maguire for his second yellow to get sent off.
pic.twitter.com/wuPLSSw7Gx— The GAA Corner (@thegaacorner) February 19, 2023
The call to dismiss the St Finbarr's man was widely criticised.
A VAR like approach/or more input from linesmen/umpires in GAA would allow referees be corrected if they make an incorrect call…that red card for Ian Maguire is absolute madness!
— Ross Sheridan (@rosssheridan20) February 19, 2023
From early stage I had a bad sense referee Seamus Mulhare was going to have a disproportionate influence on @OfficialCorkGAA v @DubGAAOfficial and it has come to pass - Ian Maguire picks up a second yellow for a minor jersey tug on Dean Rock. Didn’t even break his stride. Poor.
— Tony Leen (@tonyleen) February 19, 2023
I've just seen the worst sending off in all my time watching football.
Ian Maguire, on a yellow, got a second yellow for one of the most harmless jersey pulls you'll see.
Game ruined.— Smaller Fish GAA (@SmallerFishGAA) February 19, 2023
Ridiculously harsh red card for Ian Maguire!!
— Mícheál Nagle (@Micheal_Nagle) February 19, 2023
That is embarrassing refereeing to send off Ian Maguire for that. Absolutely awful.
— Dean O'Mahoney (@DeanoGPT) February 19, 2023
Ian Maguire with the softest second yellow card in the history of everdom
— BRIANMICHAELSETH (@BRIANMIKESETH) February 19, 2023
Allianz Leagues (Rd.3) -
Second Half (38th min) @OfficialCorkGAA 1-6 (9) @DubGAAOfficial 0-11 (11) #UpTheDubs | #AllianzLeagues | #GAA
Needless foul on @DeanRock14 who pts the resulting free.
🟡+🟡=🔴 for... Ian Maguire!
Seems very harsh for a slight tug.— Allianz 𝘿𝙪𝙗𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙧 (@DubMatchTracker) February 19, 2023
"I just thought it was soft, to be honest. I think Maguire had three tackles in the whole game, and two cards for him," man of the match Brian Hurley opined after full-time. "I thought the last one was harsh for a yellow, especially when we're trying to leave the game flow."
Dublin were also reduced to 14 later in the half, when Lee Gannon was shown a second yellow card.
Five points to the good, the Dubs nonetheless looked on course for victory.
But the Lee-siders dug deep, and managed to pull it level once more.
Nonetheless Dessie Farrell's charges showed their experience, as they held out for victory after Hurley hit the post with a late shot on goal.
The returning Jack McCaffrey kicked the final point of the 0-18 to 2-10 win.
SEE ALSO: Sublime Block Saves Roscommon As They Continue Dream Start In Division 1
