Subsequently, four remained. Following the round of crucial matches that confirmed semi-finalists for All-Ireland (involving clashes between Galway and Donegal, Kerry and Armagh), the plot was quite centred around the teams who faced elimination over the weekend. However, the departure of Dublin from the season feels like more than just a conclusion. The sands of the hourglass inevitably run out and Dublin’s depletion on Saturday carries that sentiment. It has appeared for a while that Derry were just going through the motions, almost biding time until their inevitable exit.
Remarkably, only a short three months ago, Derry triumphed over Dublin in what was perceived as a defining final for the National League. But ultimately, both teams had dismantled their camps before the month of June could wrap up. Possibly the league is just that, the league.
Post defeat to Kerry, Mickey Harte acknowledged the struggle to regain the form they’d displayed during the National League. It is true that maintaining enthusiasm for what was a rather mundane match was a task for spectators, appearing to be a fitting close to Derry’s irregular season.
“The game probably didn’t cater to traditionalists due to its defensive nature,” Jack O’Connor remarked dismissively. “But we were prepared to play it however it was presented to us. Derry set the strategy early. They retreated many players making it difficult for us to occupy space.
“At half-time, we realised there was a need for more gusto. However, attempting to play a carefree and open style of football against such a structured team is not realistic.”
Dublin’s reign in Gaelic football may be drawing to close, giving way to a new order. This is indicated by Dublin’s exit after their defeat to Galway on Saturday. This seemed to carry a sense of closure that wasn’t evident in their previous losses to Mayo in 2021 and Kerry in 2022. Whether a new era is on the horizon in Gaelic football is yet to be determined.
The careers of inter-county giants James McCarthy, Michael Fitzsimons and Stephen Cluxton possibly approach an end, stirring queries regarding the future of other notable figures such as Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion. Considering retirement or pursuing other interests, some may take a break to explore or simply cherish their significant medal count and proceed with their daily routines.
Dessie Farrell made it clear, post Dublin’s loss to Galway, that the time many remember has evolved. Now, a new generation of players is gracing the pitch. He further mentioned that some of the gallant stalwarts might consider retirement, making this potentially the last time Dublin fans may get a glimpse of their favourite players in action.
Following the Galway-Dublin match from their hotel, Donegal team together witnessed the championship’s significant moment as claimed by their manager, Jim McGuinness. Despite being less favoured at the half-time, Galway proved their prowess by showing quality, composure and importantly, belief in their abilities.
The All-Ireland semi-final line-up sees McGuinness against his old academic companion, Pádraic Joyce. With both on opposing teams, communication might take a backseat for a while but not without a playful text.
In the 2024 championship, the exit of Dublin and Derry marks a significant development, even as the semi-final stage welcomed Galway, Donegal and Armagh in return. With Donegal and Armagh’s successful season in Division Two, speculations are rife about a possible face-off in the All-Ireland final. It is an intriguing perspective, considering the common belief that it’s nearly impossible for a team not in the prime league to obtain the Sam Maguire during the same season.
The resurgence of Donegal under McGuinness’s control is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Not more than a year ago Donegal had been defeated by Down, which is expected to participate in the Tailteann Cup final in a fortnight’s time, serving as the prelude act to an All-Ireland SFC semi-final.
It was on Sunday morning when Michael Murphy, with a content smile, posed for unending snaps with devoted supporters of Donegal right outside the main gateway of the Hogan Stand at Croke Park. It was the same group of fans who once wondered how the squad would perform without Murphy. Donegal initially struggled, however, momentum was regained with McGuinness’s reintegration.
Such is life, individuals come and leave. There is constant flux, change is unavoidable. For Farrell and Harte the termination of the season appeared prematurely, an outcome unexpected by most not so long ago.
Harte, being perpetually optimistic, expressed, “I am more of a forward-looking person, you can’t revise the past but can certainly attempt something diverse for the future.”
Still, the championship continues without them. The last act of the 2024 tournament will be scripted by Kerry, Armagh, Donegal and Galway.
And then, only four remained.