Dublin are safely through to the semi-finals of the All-Ireland football championship after a seven point win over Tyrone at Croke Park.

Pat Gilroy’s team were full value for their 0-22 to 0-15 victory over Mickey Harte’s side in the final quarter-final on Saturday night.

They now play Ulster champions Donegal in the last four on August 28th and will be red hot favorites for that game after this demolition job.

Full-forward Diarmuid Connolly was the inspiration for the Dubs with five points from play in the first-half as they built up a 0-11 to 0-6 lead.
Dublin captain Bryan Cullen was delighted with the intensity and the consistency of his team’s play over the full 70 minutes.

“It was a hugely satisfying win,” said Cullen. “We knew it was going to be a massive challenge after the four-week break, but training went well and we knew what we were capable of and thankfully most things clicked on the night.

“We did bring a level of intensity into the game that perhaps was missing against Wexford. I think that was reflected in the way we tackled and our strong start to the second-half.

“Scoring those three points right after half-time gave us a cushion. I remember playing Tyrone in ‘08 when they blitzed us with scores early in the second period which put them eight or nine clear and that more or less closed out the game.

“It was important that we didn’t take the foot off the gas and I think the League final against Cork was a reminder of what can happen if concentration levels drop.

“The lads kept it going for the whole 70 minutes and that’s what you need at this level to be successful. There was no second chance for the losers and that drives you on.”

Cullen was quick to praise full-forward Connolly for his contribution.

The Dubs captain added: “Diarmuid Connolly played his part up front alongside the Brogans. He had his critics before the game, but we knew he was capable of putting in a big performance which he did tonight.

“We had our chances to get goals. Maybe we should have gone for point, but we’ll take a seven point win and it’s onwards and upwards now for the Donegal game.”