NOT that the challenge was underestimated by the red-hot favourites, but Dublin derailed the latest bid by our generational heroes for more silverware with a deserved victory in the quarter-final of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship.
The Dubs produced the performance of their lives to end the Liam MacCarthy Cup ambitions of Limerick, 2-24 to 0-28
The goals were flashed home in rapid-fire succession by impact substitute John Hetherton and Cian O’Sullivan mid-way through the closing period.
Dublin’s famous win was more remarkable given Niall Ó Ceallacháin’s heavy underdogs had centre-back and captain Chris Crummey red-carded for a challenge on Gearóid Hegarty after just 15 minutes.
A crestfallen Limerick manager John Kiely was keen to give Dublin their plaudits afterwards.
“They were super. Even at 14 men, you wouldn’t have missed the 15th man not being on the field being honest about it,” he told RTÉ Sport afterwards.
“Breaking ball, they were there, their aggression levels were brilliant, they were super in the tackle, they were accurate – they were just at a higher level of performance than us today.
“They deserved their win completely and hats off to Niall and his team, they had them absolutely on the money. Congratulations to them.”
Dublin advance to meet Munster champions Cork in the semi-final, while the other semi is between Leinster kingpins Kilkenny and Tipperary, both listed for the weekend after next.
