DES CAHILL shared a touching video of himself hugging Con O’Callaghan’s dad after Cuala won the Dublin SFC for the first time.
The Dalkey men beat Kilmacud Crokes at a packed Parnell Park on Sunday despite losing O’Callaghan to a red card.
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Among those in attendance was veteran RTE broadcaster – and Cuala stalwart – Des Cahill.
And on the final whistle, he shared a video of himself celebrating alongside PJ Holden, Tadhg Murphy and Maurice O’Callaghan, whose sons Eoghan, Niall, and Con were playing on the day.
He followed this up with a photo in which Cahill was tucking into a pint of Guinness, remarking: “To our Mammies… we won’t be home for a while yet!”
As well as winning their first-ever Dublin senior title, Austin O’Malley’s team denied Robbie Brennan’s side a fourth in a row.
O’Malley said: “I never thought the game was gone from us because we pride ourselves on staying together.
“We never lacked belief coming in here. We were sure about what we had invested in ourselves.
“Winning a title was our vision at the start of the year and before that.
“The game will test you, life will test you but it is in those moments that you have to remain believing and true to your principles.
“To a man they did that. At the end, it was our collective spirit, energy and desire to get across the line that was the glue that held us together and got us across the line.
“Delighted for the club and the group with it being our first title. You can talk as much as you want about tactics but sometimes it is the sheer desire to stay true to your values.”
Nine-time All-Ireland winning Dubliner Mick Fitzsimons was Player of the Match on the day.
And he expressed joy at having escaped the shadow of the Cuala hurlers, who have been a dominant force with two All-Ireland and eight county titles.
He told TG4: “Hard to believe.
“During that game. we were sort of in control, quite comfortable.
“We knew we were facing a big wind but just showed the heart and determination of our lads.
“Setback after setback there and to grind it out was just incredible.
“We have been overlooked in the club because we have been so successful in the hurling but there is a lot of people who have made so many sacrifices.
“I am so happy to do it today for them.”
