A day to remember as Cuala win first Senior Football title

Cillian Cronin

Cuala’s journey to their first-ever Dublin Senior Football Championship began with a family event at the clubhouse in Dalkey on the morning of the final.

There was a lively atmosphere, with the ‘Cuala Ultras’, young supporters, and families gathering in excitement.

 

As game time approached, Cuala fans marched through the streets and boarded a special non-stop Dart from Dalkey to Killester.

Passing the iconic Pigeon House chimneys, freshly painted in Cuala’s colours, the supporters could feel the excitement building.

The sense of anticipation on the Dart was palpable, with everyone buzzing about the club’s first senior football final appearance since 1988.

Parnell Park was alive with energy, despite the blustery winds that swept through Donnycarney.

The terraces and stands were packed, and as the teams emerged from the pavilion.

The All Stars played a special role by forming a guard of honour at Parnell Park to welcome the senior teams onto the pitch.

Thanks to Health Services Staffs Credit Union, transport was arranged for the young players and their families, while Dalkey’s Country Bake contributed delicious trays of buns and cookies to keep everyone in high spirits.

The match was attended by notable figures such as Bertie Ahern, Dessie Farrell, and musician Phil Coulter, Phil’s band-mate George Hutton delivered a stirring version of the national anthem.

Cuala quickly settled into the game, making the most of the strong wind at their backs in the first half.

Early points from Charlie McMorrow, Michael Fitzsimons, and Con O’Callaghan saw them take a comfortable 0-7 to 0-2 lead into the break.

Their defense, led by inter-county stalwart Fitzsimons, was rock-solid, while Kilmacud Crokes struggled to gain momentum.

In the second half, Kilmacud began to claw their way back into the contest with key scores from Paul Mannion and Shane Walsh.

When substitute Luke Ward fired a goal to level the match and Cuala’s Con O’Callaghan was sent off, the momentum seemed to have swung in Kilmacud’s favour.

But Cuala dug deep, showing remarkable composure under pressure.

In the dying moments, Eoin Kennedy seized the opportunity and fisted a rebound over the bar to give Cuala a dramatic 0-14 to 1-10 victory and their first-ever senior football title.

The celebrations began as soon as the final whistle blew.

Cuala fans stormed the pitch, a scene that will go down in club history.

The pitch was red and white as the crowd watched long-devoted Cuala senior footballers and joint captains James ‘Pig’ Power and Luke Keating lift the cup.

Fans made their way back to Dalkey on the Dart, this time with the Clery Cup proudly accompanying them.

Red and white flags waved from the windows as supporters cheered and sang, bringing the atmosphere of Parnell Park back to the little town on the hill.

The homecoming in Dalkey was nothing short of spectacular.

The clubhouse was packed, with supporters eager to welcome their heroes.

Des Cahill took to the stage to help host the festivities, and as the team entered with the trophy, the crowd erupted in celebration.

There were special moments, like Cillian Dunne receiving praise for his performance, making his family particularly proud.

With the club legends looking on, it was a night filled with joy, handshakes, and embraces, as Cuala celebrated a monumental achievement.

The celebrations continued into the night, spilling over into the Club Bar and the streets of Dalkey.

While the focus will soon shift to preparing for the Leinster Championship, for now, the town is revelling in Cuala’s historic victory, a triumph that will be remembered for years to come.