FOLLOWING the announcement of his retirement, we look back at the Ballymun Kickhams forward’s top five moments in the blue jersey of the Dubs.
1. Last-minute free to win the All-Ireland v Mayo, 2017
This moment illustrates how Rock deals with high-pressure situations.
Rock had already scored six points at this point in the game, including five from play, but this was the kick that everyone will remember that final for; seconds counting down on the clock, from a distance, Sam Maguire on the line, and in typical Dean Rock fashion, no doubt about the outcome.
2. The fastest goal in an All-Ireland Football final v Mayo 2020
In the year that Dublin secured their sixth All-Ireland title in a row, it is difficult to find something that comes close to that stat, however, Dean Rock found a way to stamp his authority on the final.
The season had been a strange one, to say the least, given that no fans were allowed at the All-Ireland final, the first to be held in December since 1917, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rock hit the net after 13 seconds to get the Dubs underway in Croke Park.
3. Levelling the All-Ireland final replay v Kerry, 2019
Dublin against Kerry in Croke Park, it doesn’t get bigger than that. One point in it in added time, the unbeaten run of the Boys in Blue at risk, step up Dean Rock’s right boot to fix things.
There are few players that can stand over a ball and nine times out of 10, the players and fans know it is already through the posts before the run-up, Rock is one of those few players, with his kicking style that suits anywhere on the field and eye for the score like few others.
4. Overcoming adversity
Dean Rock wasn’t always the golden boy of the Dubs, as just months after breaking into the panel in 2012, Pat Gilroy axed him from the All-Ireland championship squad.
After an All-Ireland club championship final appearance with his club Ballymun Kickhams in 2013, where they were beaten by St. Brigid’s of Roscommon, Jim Gavin recalled him to the squad and the rest, as they say is history.
5. It runs in the family
Dean Rock was always surrounded by Gaelic football greatness as his dad is Barney Rock, Dublin fan favourite and their fourth all-time top point-scorer, a list which Dean himself tops by a considerable margin.
Rock can look back on his career with great pride having won eight All-Irelands, 12 Leinster titles, six national leagues and three All-stars
