By Peter McNamara
Exemplary Jack McCaffrey suggested Dublin will not get carried away by their resounding success in the Allianz NFL Division 1 final against Cork at Croke Park this afternoon.
Dublin prevailed 1-21 to 2-7 in a one-sided encounter, one in which Cork failed to score in open play in the first-half.
McCaffrey was selected as the man of the match following a display of energy, industry and no shortage of skill in possession as the Clontarf player covered every blade of the grass at headquarters.
McCaffrey's darting runs from deep and clever link play hurt Brian Cuthbert's side time and again in the decider.
It was no surprise that McCaffrey was named as the final's MVP and, in fact, he has been the most electric performer throughout the league overall.
His dynamism is invaluable to Jim Gavin's outfit but McCaffrey was admirably keen to deflect the attention away from his humble self afterwards.
"This is about the team, about Dublin getting the result we wanted," McCaffrey stressed. "Cork had been going really well in the league but it was great for us to produce a good performance and get the result.
"It's another step forward for us and we can take further confidence from this going into the Leinster championship.
"Nobody will be getting ahead of themselves though."
Dublin's relentless work-rate was a key factor in their victory, epitomised by McCaffrey's influence.
The overall work-ethic pleased the attacking wing-back though.
"The lads really did work hard and we knew we needed to be on our game from the off today.
"Cork were probably the most consistent team in the league but we were well-prepared and keen to put up a performance.
"We will go back to our clubs and then regroup again afterwards for the start of the championship which we can look forward to now on the back of winning the league," he added.