1897 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship final

Match

Summary

Dublin went into the final with a well-balanced team with players drawn from several counties, while Cork arrived on the back of a strong provincial campaign, including a win over the defending champions, Limerick Commercials. Despite this, they struggled to match expectations on the day.

The match began evenly, with both sides trading early pressure. Dublin opened the scoring with a point after a crowded passage of play near goal, and soon followed it up with a goal after sustained possession in the Cork half. Cork responded with a point but found it difficult to make further inroads. A wide from a promising attack and a poorly taken free typified their problems in the final third.

Dublin suffered a blow with the loss of T. Downey through injury but reorganised well, bringing in J. Flynn who contributed directly to the scoreboard. Cork were unable to take advantage of a subsequent free, and Dublin remained in control up to the break.

The first half ended with Dublin leading 1–2 to 0–1. Cork started the second half with more urgency and reduced the deficit with a point, but the game turned again when Bill Guiry struck a goal from a well-taken free. Cork pressed for a spell but failed to convert their chances.

As the match progressed, Dublin’s superior conditioning and organisation showed. They added three more points without reply, two from open play and one from a free. Cork had one further chance from a placed ball but failed to capitalise, while Dublin closed out the match with steady control.

Details

References

References

1. (6 February 1899). "All-Ireland Football Final". Dublin Sporting News.
2. (6 February 1899). "All-Ireland Football Final". Dublin Daily Nation.
3. (6 February 1899). "Inter-County Football Final". Irish Independent.