Dublin's quest for their 14th Leinster Championship in-a-row got off to a near perfect start yesterday as they trounced Meath 3-19 to 0-12 in Croke Park.
The Royal County stayed within touching distance in the first half but the defending All-Ireland champions pulled away as expected in the second half.
Just a couple of weeks on from their heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss to Derry in the Allianz Football League final, the Dubs put in a dominant performance which included goals from Con O'Callaghan, Paul Mannion and Seán Bugler.
The match also saw the returns of Stephen Cluxton between the sticks and Michael Fitzsimons played his first game since last year's All-Ireland final.
Joe Brolly Among Many Baffled By Seán Bugler Goal
Dublin's first goal of the game came through Seán Bugler with just under 20 minutes on the clock. Bugler picked up the ball off Ross McGarry and was able to get through the Meath defence before riffling the ball home.
Sean Bugler finds the back of the @MeathGAA net to open up a lead for @DubGAAOfficial. #GAANOW pic.twitter.com/jhddh07hB2
— The GAA (@officialgaa) April 14, 2024
The goal caused a bit of a stir online and had some questioning how it was allowed. Now, referees have always been a bit loose when it comes to the steps rule but many people were quick to point out that Seán Bugler ran through without even a single bounce before scoring, including Joe Brolly who questioned was there a new rule.
Sean Bugler just took 15 steps before scoring a goal. Is there a new rule?
— Joe Brolly (@JoeBrolly1993) April 14, 2024
Sean Bugler when he was put through on goal pic.twitter.com/Rp4mBk8Hht
— Colm Finlay (@FinlayColm) April 14, 2024
Joe Brolly brings up a good point when talking about the refereeing for Seán Bugler's goal.
The result may not have been different if the referees chalked off Bugler's goal but with the gap between Dublin and the other Leinster teams only widening it's very frustrating to see decisions like this go Dublin's way as it makes it even less unlikely that Dublin will be challenged in the Leinster Championship.
For what it's worth, Meath manager Colm O'Rourke chose not to criticise officials for their enforcement of the steps rule when asked about it post-match.
“No. No. Absolutely not. We had given the ball away further up the field, and I suppose a sign of a good team that they got the ball back and they punished us I think we gave away 1-5 from turnovers in the first half when we were competitive so that was sort of killing us. No I wouldn’t complain, I admire Dublin, I admire the way they play.
I think they have helped saved Gaelic Football from the negativity of other teams so I’ve nothing but the highest admiration for them. Just wish we could beat them occasionally!
READ ALSO: Bizarre Colm O'Rourke Stat Revelation Highlights Massive Difference Between Meath And Dublin
