Dublin manager Dessie Farrell acknowledged his side were hitting their stride after a "shaky" start to the 2024 Allianz Football League.
After opening with successive losses to Monaghan and Mayo, the Dubs are back in the hunt for a league final place following three wins on the trot, yesterday ending Derry's 100% record with a five-point win in Celtic Park.
The All-Ireland champions dominated throughout against the league leaders, though only led by two at the break after Conor McCluskey's 26th minute goal. However, they kicked for home in the third quarter and the result was never in doubt after Cormac Costello slipped the ball to the net from the rebound to open up a six-point gap.
The only downside for the winners was an injury incurred by Lee Gannon late in the day, which saw the defender hobble off.
Farrell acknowledged the uptick in performance levels in recent weeks, attributing the early struggles to their late start ahead of the 2024 season.
"Obviously, a shaky start. It definitely took us a few weeks to shake the cobwebs off. We were probably coming back to it a bit later than other squads.
"That definitely manifested in the first couple of performances.
"We've got into a little bit of a stride in the last couple of weeks, which is encouraging. Trending in the right direction. But it's still very early days.
"For long parts of the game, we controlled the game, which was good to see. Plenty of composure in our football.
'For long parts of the game, we controlled it, which was good to see' – Dublin manager Dessie Farrell was pleased with how his team acquitted themselves at Celtic Park pic.twitter.com/Hw2Pvh5kQp
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 2, 2024
"There were vast tracts of the first half and second half that we were on top and managed the game well.
"It's a tough tight pitch, space is at a premium. Particularly the way Derry play, they pack the defence. They're very structured back there, it can be hard to break down.
"You just have to be patient, go through the phases and wait for the opening and try and execute when it presents itself."
Player of the Match Ciaran Kilkenny, who registered 0-04 from play, said in his post-match interview that the recent passing of Shane O'Hanlon, former Dublin selector and confidant, had inspired the squad to re-double their efforts in his honour.
"After the first two games, we were very disappointed with the two performances. I suppose Shane O'Hanlon really inspired us.
Brian Howard and player of the match Ciarán Kilkenny reflect on Dublin's five-point victory over Derry
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) March 2, 2024
📺 @RTE2 & @RTEplayer 👉https://t.co/ZfZ9mA9XTY pic.twitter.com/JmDNGQvFWL
"It helped us understand how much it means to represent Dublin, represent our people and to represent someone like Shane.
"Every game we play this year is going to be for him. He's with us every game in the dressing room wherever we go. He's really inspired us and given us that real energy to kick on. Hopefully, we can keep improving and keep the momentum going."
Watch highlights on Allianz League Sunday on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 9.30pm, follow a live blog every Sunday afternoon on rte.ie/sport and the RTÉ News app and listen to live updates on Sunday Sport
