Dublin capped off their league campaign in fine fashion this afternoon, defeating Derry on a scoreline of 4-6 to 0-11 at Croke Park.
In truth, the scoreline didn't really reflect the dominance of the Dubs over the course of the 70 minutes. They were by far the better side throughout, especially in the second half. Despite the fact that they scored four goals, that tally could have been quite a bit higher after scuppering a number of other opportunities to raise a green flag. Their shooting was also wayward from distance, contributing to that tally of only six point scored.
Derry managed to remain within touching distance for large portions of the game, but never really threatened to win it after the interval.
This result sets Dublin up perfectly for the championship campaign, where they will be heavy favourites to win a 13th consecutive Leinster title. As well as that, we could well see the return of a familiar face to the starting XV in the weeks ahead.
Dessie Farrell drops hint on Stephen Cluxton plans
The return of Stephen Cluxton to the Dublin panel last weekend has dominated the headlines over the last number of days. The reception to it has been mixed, with Pat Spillane claiming that he felt the whole situation was a 'joke'.
While outside commentators have voiced their opinions, the comments from those inside the camp on how they plan use the 41-year old have been rather ambiguous. Dessie Farrell said after the Louth game that the goalkeeper had returned due to an injury crisis in that position and did not even confirm that he would be staying on for the rest of the year.
However, we were given a clearer picture this afternoon.
Speaking to TG4 after the win over Derry, Farrell confirmed that Cluxton would be with the Dublin panel for the remainder of the year. He also said that while he did not consider bringing him on to get playing time in this game, he did drop some hints that he would be in the team by the time that championship rolls around.
#DUBvDER @DubGAAOfficial 4-06@Doiregaa 0-11
"You come up against that set defence more in the modern day game, you have to be creative in terms of how you open them up."
Dessie Farrell sásta leis an toradh inniu!🏆
BEO/LIVE ar @TG4TV #AllianzLeague | #GAABEO pic.twitter.com/BTSqlATDlY— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) April 2, 2023
He has a great mentor in Stephen. It is great to have Stephen back in the mix, but David O'Hanlon has been phenomenal for us throughout the league campaign.
He has took over the jersey since Evan Comerford has been injured, he has commanded that position and we're very happy with please with where he's at...
No, Stephen doesn't want any of that tokenism. His day will come if it's going to come.
He is training really well and is part of the panel now at this stage. We're looking forward to the contribution he will make throughout the summer.
Those comments would certainly suggest that we will see Stephen Cluxton in the starting XV at some point over the summer.
Such a move would be sure to cause plenty of debate, with Dublin already having two good goalkeeper in the squad in the form of David O'Hanlon and the injured Evan Comerford.
In saying that, it's clear that Farrell was not enamoured with his options in that position.
SEE ALSO: Pat Spillane Did Not Hold Back With His Opinion On Stephen Cluxton's Dublin Return
