Dublin 1-15 Carlow 1-07

Carlow's O'Byrne Cup hopes were crushed by an energetic Dublin side at Dr Cullen Park, with John O'Brien top-scoring for the defending champions with 0-8.

Wing back Philip McMahon fired home a clinching, late goal as the Dubs set up a final clash with Longford.

Right corner forward O'Brien kicked all bar one of Dublin's points as they turned around 0-8 to 0-3 ahead.

Impressive centre-back John Murphy opened Carlow's account in the 28th minute.

But while Eric McCormack and Murphy, who notched a soccer-style goal, kept Carlow competitive, the Dubs marched on, despite Denis Bastick's sending-off.

The win, coming after the sides' exciting drawn encounter in midweek, booked a February 9 meeting with Longford for Paul Caffrey's side. The final will take place at Parnell Park (throw-in 5pm).

This was a much-changed Dublin side. Caffrey made eight alterations to the team that started the 1-15 to 2-12 draw, with all five of the county players involved in St Oliver Plunkett's/Eoghan Ruadh league-clinching win over St Vincent's being rested, including the three Brogan brothers.

In sunny conditions, Dublin made the better start, with O'Brien quickly finding his range and he accounted for the game's first four points.

The visitors were 0-7 to 0-0 to the good by the 22nd minute, but Carlow soon got in amongst the scores with Murphy, Ray Walker and McCormack (free) all raising white flags before half-time.

Dublin's lead would have been greater by that stage had Carlow's goalkeeper John Brennan and full-back John Hayden not combined to deny Kevin Bonner what looked a certain goal.

The Barrowsiders regrouped well and further points from Murphy, who was relocated to centre-forward, and McCormack (free), either side of a Conal Keaney point for the Dubs, reduced the arrears.

Carlow should have come more into the game when Bastick got his marching orders in the 54th minute for an off-the-ball altercation with Daithi Byrne.

But the midfielder's dismissal seemed to rally Dublin and points from the very effective Barry Kennedy, who looked the part on the edge of the square, O'Brien and Kennedy again helped Caffrey's men move 0-12 to 0-5 clear.

Carlow did have their goal chances - Evan Doyle, when opting for a point, watched his effort bounce down off the post and the ball was cleared to safety, while McCormack fired a shot the wrong side of Stephen Cluxton's left hand upright.

After points from substitute Declan Lally and McMahon, Carlow did grab a deserved goal when a defensive error from David Henry allowed Murphy, who struck 1-3 in all, the time and space to bulge the net from close range.

But Dublin were determined to have the last word and a Conal Keaney '45' was quickly followed by McMahon's fine goal.

Scorers –
Carlow: J Murphy 1-3, E McCormack 0-3 (0-3f), R Walker 0-1.
Dublin: J O'Brien 0-8 (0-3f), P McMahon 1-1, B Kennedy 0-3, C Keaney 0-2 (0-1 '45'), D Lally 0-1.

CARLOW: J Brennan; E Doyle, J Hayden, P Bambrick; A Curran, J Murphy, J Ryan; D Byrne, P Walsh; R Sinnott, R Walker, B Carberry; C Pender, K Doyle, E McCormack.

Subs used: S Gannon for Pender (22 mins), JJ Smyth for Carberry (41), M Nolan for Curran (45), B Farrell for Doyle (61), J O’Connor for Doyle (67).

DUBLIN: S Cluxton; D Henry, N O'Shea, S O’Shaughnessy; P McMahon, P Casey, D Murray; D Bastick, E Fennell; P Flynn, P Burke, D Ryan; J O’Brien, K Bonner, B Kennedy.

Subs used: B McManamon for Ryan (half-time), D Lally for Murray (39 mins), C Keaney for Bonner (42), G Cullen for Burke (56), D Murray for O’Shea (59).

Referee: John Bannon (Longford)