Suffering a fairly remorseless defeat to a collection of lesser-spotted Dublin players, it is doubtful whether this crop of Underdogs is likely to throw up another Kieran Donaghy. Watching tonight's clash in Parnell Park, however, viewers were certainly struck by Dublin's #15 Steven Smith.
Involved in the first 3 of Dublin's goals on the night, his opener came with Dublin leading 0-5 to 0-1.
Even this early on, it appeared to put the kibosh on any chance of an upset.
CÚL!!
N'fheadar an raibh sé ar intinn aige ach tá sé sa liontán ar aon nós!@dubgaa_official 1-5#Underdogs 0-1@GAA_BEO @ADAREtelly pic.twitter.com/xN1llhT3WO— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2018
This wonderful run and pass to set up Cormac Diamond for Dublin's second goal of the night was typical of Smith's good work on the night.
CÚL EILE ag @dubgaa_official
Pas iontach ó Steven Smith agus isteach sa liontán!@GAA_BEO @ADAREtelly pic.twitter.com/oK0TBMBM1r— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2018
With Dublin comfortably ahead, Smith's tenaciousness put him in early in the second-half to give the All-Ireland champions an even greater cushion. Yet another well-taken goal, it brought his total to 2-3.
An-Críoch ó Smith!
CÚL EILE! Ag @DubGAAOfficial #Underdogs 0-2@DubGAAOfficial 3-8@GAA_BEO @ADAREtelly pic.twitter.com/QKNO3xCohI— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2018
Named man-of-the-match in his first appearance for the Dublin senior footballers, he had viewers excited - and dreading - the prospect of Steven Smith becoming a more regular feature of Jim Gavin's plans.
Somebody put a leash on that Smith lad #Dublin #Underdogs #Baller
— Sean Mulvey (@Smulvey84) October 19, 2018
Half Time here in Parnell Park and Dublin lead The Underdogs by twelve points at the break. Corner forward Stephen Smith and midfielder Darragh Gavin particularly impressive for Dublin thus far.
Half Time:
Dublin 2-08 The Underdogs 0-02 pic.twitter.com/QlUamkJWqX— AllGAA (@AllGaa_) October 19, 2018
On what was his maiden appearance in a Dublin shirt at senior level, if Steven Smith is what the All-Ireland champions have in reserve, the future may well be blue.
Agallamh Laoch na hImeartha Stephen Smith, agus b'é a debut leis an fhoireann Sinsear @DubGAAOfficial @officialgaa @SportsJOE_GAA @GAA_BEO @ADAREtelly pic.twitter.com/X9aMJpazwK
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) October 19, 2018
