It might not have been quite as emphatic as last year's semi-final defeat of Tyrone, yet, Dublin's journey to a fourth-successive All-Ireland final could scarcely be described as anything but routine. In a relatively vacant looking Croke Park, Jack McCaffrey offered a rare glimpse of genuine excitement.
Jack McCaffrey: as happy as a child in sand.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) August 11, 2018
Objectively, today's convincing semi-final win for Dublin had the appearance of a competitive tie. Leading Galway by a two-point margin at the half-way mark, the game nevertheless appeared oddly subdued.
Maybe a result of Galway's wastefulness compared to Dublin's composure in front of goal, the 54,717 - however much noise such a crowd should be able to generate - seemed about as evident as to be as the vast swathes of empty seats as they were by the action on the field.
Amid all this, Jack McCaffrey was doing his best to invigorate a game that, perhaps on a day where Galway were more ruthless in front of goal, could have got away from Dublin.
Marauding from his own half into Galway's territory with great frequency, his involvement in Con O'Callaghan's first-half goal for the reigning All-Ireland winners ought not to be underplayed.
Doing the bulk of the running himself, he picked out Niall Scully with a wonderful hand-pass, before he fed the ball into a waiting O'Callaghan.
Con O'Callaghan with a goal for Dublin! pic.twitter.com/zvqJQ0RvjW
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 11, 2018
Whatever the reasons behind the limited attendance, McCaffrey's performance managed to delight many of those who, more often than not, would scarcely have considered an All-Ireland semi-final to be not worth the hassle of attending.
With a potential final against Tyrone or Monaghan now between them and a record-equaling four-in-a-row, Dublin will certainly fancy their chances.
Jack McCaffrey on fire this evening.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) August 11, 2018
Jack McCaffrey brilliant today and Con O’Callaghan playing his best match of the championship this year
— Stephen Doyle (@dubsoulrebel) August 11, 2018
Incredible half of football from @DubGAAOfficial's Jack McCaffrey. On fire. Directly involved in a lot of the scores. And making key runs.
— Peter McNamara (@PeterMcNamara_) August 11, 2018
Jack McCaffrey man of the match so far. Brilliant pass to Scully leading to goal and big interceptions all over the field. @TheSundayGame @RTEgaa
— Danny O Connell (@DannyOConnell14) August 11, 2018
McCaffrey was brilliant today. Kieran kilkenny should take a good look at Jack's game if he wants to be great #DUBvGAL
— Jonny Kavanagh (@jkav_sports) August 11, 2018
McCaffrey is brilliant for Dublin #DUBvGAL
— Derek Dignam (@DerekDignam) August 11, 2018
Jack McCaffrey is running the show out there. Defensively solid and carrying the ball forward very effectively.
Looks back to his very best.— Kevin O'Brien (@Kevobrien) August 11, 2018
McCaffrey having some game!! #DUBvGAL #GAA
— James Cooney (@therealcoo) August 11, 2018
Jack McCaffrey is hurling a blinder tonight. Galway need to sort their kick outs or it's all over.
— Brendan McTaggart (@bmct123) August 11, 2018
