Match of the Week: Dublin Bus lift Lummy O’Reilly Cup

IN A thrilling Dublin Derby, Dublin Bus came out victorious over St Kevins in the final of the Lummy O’Reilly Cup, claiming a resounding 2- 0 in Baldonnell in an exhibition of grassroots football reports Rory Merriman.

Under the guidance of Manager Garrett Dodrill, Dublin Bus wasted no time asserting their dominance on the field when the early minutes saw full back Liam Dwyer seizing an opportunity, capitalizing on the end of a cross to drive home the opening goal just four minutes into the game.

As the match progressed, Dublin Bus maintained their relentless momentum, doubling their lead through a penalty dispatched by Gar Kenna, after St Kevins conceded a crucial foul in their box and saw a man dismissed for a second bookable offense.

With a comfortable 2-0 advantage at halftime, Dublin Bus also entered the interval with an extra man on the field.

In the second half, St Kevins were in desperate search of a comeback.

However, Dublin Bus showcased their defensive prowess, thwarting every advance.

At the heart of their impregnable defense stood 18-year-old goalkeeper Morgan Daly, whose performance between the posts proved pivotal in maintaining Dublin Bus’s unassailable lead.

Despite St Kevins’ fervent efforts, Dublin Bus held firm, ensuring their victory remained firmly within their grasp.

Daly’s heroics were further highlighted by a remarkable penalty save in the dying embers of the match, cementing Dublin Bus’s superiority.

As the final whistle blew, Dublin Bus emerged victorious, clinching the coveted Lummy O’Reilly Cup with a commanding 2-0 triumph.

Their disciplined defensive display coupled with clinical efficiency on the counter-attack underscored their status as worthy champions, etching their names into the annals of grassroots football glory.

“Delighted with that win now, especially considering it’s my first year as manager at the club,” Dublin Bus head coach Garret Dodrill told The Echo.

“We secured the two goals in the first half and that was enough.

“We played a tight, clever game in the second half and we pulled through.”

“I have 6 years experience managing under age league of Ireland teams and it’s clear to see the talent we have here in Dublin Bus.”

“Some lads are coming to the end of their stint at the club, making room for young talent coming through, bridging a gap for young lads who didn’t quite make it to the LOI,” he added.

“They’re a great bunch, we have great facilities and we have an excellent panel.

“We’re delighted with today’s result,” Dodrill concluded.