By Cian O'Connell

Dublin manager Jim Gavin praised substitute Cormac Costello following a dramatic All Ireland SFC Final replay at Croke Park.

Costello made a significant impact drilling over three delightful points when the issue was delicately poised late on. “Cormac has been playing well in training and those three points he got I could get you a tape of training games and that’s the form that he’s in,” Gavin commented.

“We had faith in him - he’s been outstanding underage, he had a dip, but he’s come back strong now."

Michael Fitzsimons was prominent throughout an absorbing encounter with Gavin acknowledging his crucial contribution too.“He’s been playing that well all season,” Gavin reflected.

“David (Byrne), (Jonny Cooper), and Philly (McMahon) were playing well in the full-back line, but he grabbed his chance with both arms and he played very well.”

Gavin made three changes from the drawn game with Fitzsimons, Paul Mannion, and Paddy Andrews replacing David Byrne, Michael Darragh MacAuley, and Bernard Brogan.

“They’re part of that culture system and they know that the team is the sum of its parts,” Gavin remarked about how the players dealt with the decision.

“They’re disappointed not to play, but once it’s explained to them they take it. Bernard came on and did very well, Darren Daly came on and deep into the game and got a match-winning block.”

The Dublin boss was thrilled with how they dealt with Mayo's spirited approach. "The guys are delighted after winning an All Ireland title. There is great energy and songs being sang, they are just very happy," Gavin said about the victorious Dublin team.

"I think All Irelands are uniquely special, we have played two games against an incredible Mayo side, I don't think they got as much credit.

"People went after our performance piece in the first half, but it was due to the intensity and defensive system  which they tweaked mid season. I thought defensively in both games they were superb."