DUBLIN made it three wins from three in the Bord na Mona O’Byrne Cup Group A as they struck late via Emmett O’Conghaile and Kevin McManamon in Portarlington to defeat Laois last Sunday.
The Dubs, who had already guaranteed their semi-final berth prior to throw-in, face Meath in Navan next Sunday in the last four as several frontline Dublin footballers made a return to action including Jonny Cooper.
For the third game running, Dean Rock was Dublin’s top scorer as the Ballymun Kickhams man finished with a tally of six points (including five frees) before being substituted just before the midpoint of the second half.
However, it was McManamon’s 67th minute penalty, after Shane Carthy had been fouled, and O’Conghaile’s booming injury-time point, his third from play, that saw Dublin record their third win from three starts.
The O’Moore County looked set to snatch victory when Brendan Quigley goaled four minutes from time to propel his side into a 1-10 to 0-11 lead but only two minutes later, McManamon converted from the penalty spot to nose Jim Gavin’s men back in front.
The sides were level 0-6 at the break after the home side had played with the advantage of the wind – Rock with four frees, Cormac Costello and the industrious Tomas Brady accounted for Dublin’s scorers in the opening 35 minutes.
Earlier in the week, Dublin saw off Offaly 0-17 to 0-13 in Parnell Park, coming back from a three-point deficit at half-time.
Rock top scored once again with nine points after an impressive showing, making it three from three for the Ballymun Kickhams.
The Faithful County led 0-10 to 0-7 at the break having played with the aid of a strong wind and it was an advantage they still held at the three-quarter mark when 0-12 to 0-10 in front 16 minutes into the second half.
