DUBLIN’S ALL-IRELAND hero Stephen Cluxton has finally opened up on the last-gasp point which brought Sam Maguire back to the capital for the first time in 16 years.

The Parnells keeper, seen as Dublin’s quiet man due to his reluctance to speak to the media, was called upon for the crucial free in the dying moments of September’s showdown against old rivals Kerry.

And as the 82,000 spectators packed into Croke Park held their breath in anticipation, Cluxton kept his cool and slotted the kick into an ecstatic Hill 16.

Now, in A Rare Auld Season, a photographic record of the Dubs’ campaign which is published today, Cluxton has broken his silence on his moment of glory.

It was nothing special, he says.

“The management worked hard on steeling the players throughout the year. Games last for 70-odd minutes, [the free] happened at the ideal time.

“Games take place over 70 minutes. If you are not focused for the 70 minutes, you don’t win.

I was the designated free-taker. You go through your routine, nothing else matters. One free is just as important as the next.

YouTube credit: KilkennyFootball

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