DES CAHILL was left “bursting with happiness” after watching his beloved Cuala end a long wait for a Dublin senior football final.
Inspired by Dublin sharpshooter Con O’Callaghan, Cuala beat Ballymun on Sunday to advance to their first final in 36 years.
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Present at Parnell Park for the game was veteran RTE broadcaster Des Cahill, who shared a photo from the post-match celebrations.
He said: “Bursting with happiness…! Cuala in the Dublin SFC final after 36 years. Suddenly the tough days don’t seem so bad.”
Being able to go to games played a role in Des Cahill’s decision to leave The Sunday Game two years ago.
The 65-year-old left his long-time role as host of the iconic programme in October 2022.
Speaking at the time, Cahill explained that getting the chance to go to more games as a fan contributed to his decision.
He said: “The reason I want a change is very straightforward- I want to go to live games again!
“It’s been a privilege to host The Sunday Game for the past 15 seasons, but I miss the sense of fun and anticipation as you make your way to a match, the feeling of tension and excitement, the roar of the crowd.
“I can’t wait to experience that again when I’m fronting Saturday and Sunday Sport live from some of the most iconic venues in the country.”
Des added: “I’m hugely grateful and in debt to the fantastic team on The Sunday Game, who work so hard to bring the programme to air every week throughout the Championship.
“I’ve no doubt that their passion and commitment to deliver for the audience will continue in the seasons ahead with a new presenter in the hotseat.”
Con O’Callaghan was the undisputed star of the show for Cuala on Saturday.
King Con hit eight points — half of his side’s total — as the Dalkey side over-ran Ballymun Kickhams in the semi-final at Parnell Park.
Cuala’s only previous appearance in the decider was way back in 1988 when they lost to Parnells.
But their dream of a first county SFC title is very much alive as they await the winners of today’s second semi-final between Kilmacud Crokes and Na Fianna.
Boss Austin O’Malley told DubsTV: “We’re delighted. I thought we were in a good place coming in.
“It was a real test. Full credit to Ballymun, we knew what they were going to bring and they didn’t disappoint. They came with a lot of physicality.
“It took us a while to break them down. We left a bit behind us in the first half but we were doing the right things.
“We managed the ball pretty well in that second half. We pushed on and finished really strong.
“Hopefully we’ll arrive in good stead in two weeks. It’s an honour to be into the final.”
