Ballymun Kickhams drew on all their experience to snatch a dramatic one-point victory over Lucan Sarsfields in the Dublin Senior Football Championship.
Dean Rock, James McCarthy and John Small all produced important moments as the north Dublin club edged out Lucan by 0-18 to 0-17 at the Clann Mhuire grounds in Naul.
Managed by Mayo legend Seamus O’Shea, Ballymun entered the second round seeking their first victory after drawing a thriller with reigning All-Ireland club champions Cuala in their opening game.
The 2020 champions appeared set to be frustrated again when Mark Lavin converted a free to place Lucan 0-17 to 0-16 ahead with 62 minutes played.
Dublin Veterans Roll Back The Years To Rescue Dramatic Championship Win
That was when Ballymun’s decorated Dublin contingent took control.
Small used his experience to win a free which Rock calmly converted in the 65th minute, bringing the sides level for the final time.
When Lucan’s subsequent kickout travelled over the sideline, Ballymun regained possession and worked the ball to Fiach Andrews, who kicked what proved to be the winning point.
There was still enough time for one final Lucan restart, but Small climbed highest at midfield to claim possession and ensure Ballymun held on.
Recommended
As detailed by Paul Keane in Dublin GAA’s match report, the late contributions capped an influential afternoon for Ballymun’s experienced operators.
Rock finished with 0-7, including a two-point free early in the second half, while McCarthy landed an excellent two-pointer during the opening period.
McCarthy is now retired from inter-county football, while Rock has combined his continued involvement with Ballymun with a role in Ger Brennan’s Dublin management team.
Longford native Keelin McGann also continued his impressive start following his transfer to Ballymun. He kicked three points, including a two-pointer, after registering 1-3 against Cuala in the opening round.
McGann, who previously represented Longford at senior level and DCU in the Sigerson Cup, has accumulated 1-6 during his opening two Dublin championship appearances.
Ballymun had led 0-11 to 0-6 after 25 minutes, but Lucan responded before the interval through Rian Doherty, Matthew Guilfoyle and Cillian Gavin to reduce the deficit to a single point.
Lucan looked to have completed the comeback when Lavin moved them ahead in added time, but Ballymun’s big-game experience ultimately proved decisive.
Rock supplied the equaliser, Andrews kicked the winner and Small ensured there would be no final opportunity for Lucan to respond.
The victory moves Ballymun onto three points from a possible four in Group 4 and leaves O’Shea’s side well positioned to advance to the knockout stages.
SEE ALSO: Cork Star To Make History As Star-Studded Hurling For Cancer Teams Named
SEE ALSO: Aidan O’Shea Addresses Mayo Future After Man-Of-The-Match Club Display