Cuala secured their first-ever Dublin Senior 1 Football Championship title by edging out Kilmacud Crokes by a single point in a gripping final at a windy Parnell Park on Sunday afternoon.

Cuala 0-14 Kilmacud Crokes 1-10

Taking advantage of the strong breeze, Cuala dominated the first half, with standout points from Michael Fitzsimons contributing to their 0-7 to 0-2 halftime lead.

Although Kilmacud faced challenging wind conditions early on, they struggled to display their usual intensity and discipline, appearing off the pace compared to their opponents.

Cuala maintained their strong form into the second half, but a 55th-minute goal by Luke Ward, combined with Con O’Callaghan’s immediate dismissal, shifted momentum in Kilmacud’s favor.

As the match seemed to be heading for a replay, Eoin Kennedy secured the game-winning point in the 5th minute of injury time, delivering Cuala a hard-fought and well-deserved victory.

Charlie McMorrow, who has been in excellent form throughout the season, set the tone early with a rapid run and an accurate shot that gave Cuala the opening score within the first thirty seconds.

Kilmacud quickly responded, with late inclusion Hugh Kenny leveling the score in the 4th minute. Despite Kilmacud holding possession early on, they struggled to generate clear scoring opportunities.

Cuala’s defense remained solid, and they regained the lead through Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne after a well-worked play involving David O’Dowd and Con O’Callaghan.

Cuala continued to capitalize on counter-attacks, with Fitzsimons extending their lead with a long-range point early in the second quarter. Kilmacud, meanwhile, grew increasingly frustrated, registering several wides from Shane Walsh and Paul Mannion.

O’Callaghan further added to Cuala’s advantage in the 19th minute, and Fitzsimons followed up with another crucial point three minutes later, punishing Kilmacud for a poor kickout by Devon Burns.

With momentum firmly on their side, Cuala’s Cal Doran added another point before Mannion finally broke Kilmacud’s scoring drought with a much-needed score in the 27th minute, ending a 23-minute barren spell.

Cuala resumed control after halftime, restoring their six-point cushion through a Doran point, though Kilmacud responded quickly through Craig Dias.

Cuala’s attack continued to flourish, adding points through Niall O’Callaghan and a pair from Doran, but Kilmacud stayed within reach with two points each from Walsh and Mannion.

Ward’s brilliant goal in the 55th minute and O’Callaghan’s red card shortly after seemed to put Kilmacud on course for a fourth consecutive title. However, Cuala dug deep, and Kennedy’s last-gasp point sealed the historic win in dramatic style.