A magnificent second half by Cuala saw them ease past Ballymun Kickhams.
A blistering start by Ballymun saw the northside team open the scoring. Sean Currie’s excellent kickout provided the spark for a move that was tidily finished by Robbie Bolger.
Cuala wasted no time in getting ahead, with both O’Callaghan’s popping their efforts over the bar to square the game.
The tit-for-tat approach remained a theme throughout the first half, as Ballymun soon found themselves in front thanks to Dean Rock and Bolger – with James McCarthy doubling their lead.
With the ‘Mun seeing early success, their rhythm was cut short after an injury to John Small, who was temporarily forced off the pitch.
Cuala took advantage of the knock to the talisman, piling the pressure on their opponents, although Ballymun had a penalty shout waved away by Don Stynes, as Ó Cofaigh Byrne collided with Cathal Tighe.
The reintroduction of Small saw the pressure ease, but scores from Luke Keating and Cillian Dunne ensured that Cuala held the lead at the break.
Again, it was a quick start by Ballymun, with McCarthy grabbing an equalising point after just forty seconds.
But Cuala proved a match once again, as a triple by Con O’Callaghan saw them pull ahead by three – with Dunne also forcing a top save by Currie
Ballymun seemed to struggle in the second half, as Cuala continued to extend their lead as Con O’Callaghan ran riot.
A long-range pass into the square by Small went just too far for any teammate to reach, but did pose a problem for Ryan Scollard who was able to push it away from his top corner.
But the rapid pace of Cuala saw them push forward, with Niall O’Callaghan and Grourke making it a seven-point lead for the Dalkey side.
A late goal provided some false hope for Ballymun, as Dean Robertson expertly slotted his shot past Scollard to cut the lead back down to five.
But it wasn’t enough, as Cuala played out the game with patience to secure their place in the 2024 Dublin Senior Football Championship final.
Full Time: Ballymun Kickhams 1-8 – 0-16 Cuala
Ballymun Kickhams: Sean Currie, Eoin Dolan, Davy Leonard, Eamon Hill, Leon Young, John Small, Cathal Tighe, James McCarthy, Cameron McCormack, Aaron Elliot, Paddy Small, Davey Byrne, Dean Robertson, Robbie Bolger, Dean Rock
Substitutes: Eric Cumberton, Fiach Andrew, Ciaran McManus, Daragh Conlon, Alan Hubbard, Adam Conway, Ryan Lowry, Cark Keeley, Dillon Keating, Glen Sheridan, Sean Tuke
Cuala: Ryan Scollard, Danny Conroy, Michael Fitzsimons, Eoghan O’Callaghan, Eoin Kennedy, Charlie McMorrow, David O’Dowd, Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne, Peter Duffy, James Power, Cathal Ó Giolláin, Cal Doran, Luke Keating, Niall O’Callaghan, Con O’Callaghan
Substitutes: Darragh O’Dowd, Luke Tracey, John Fitzsimons, Michael Conroy, Conor O’Brien, Conor Mullaly, Shane Mangan, Cillian Dunne, Conor Groarke, Liam Fitzgerlad, Enda Kelly
Referee: Don Stynes
