Dublin and Mullins secured an historic sixth Leinster title in 1979 after a narrow 1–8 to 0–9 victory over a resurgent Offaly team. A record sixth consecutive All-Ireland final appearance soon followed, with Kerry providing the opposition for the fourth time in those six years. The reigning champions, however, were handicapped throughout the game. Ger Power did not start, while John O'Keeffe got injured and Páidí Ó Sé was sent off during the encounter. Two goals by Mikey Sheehy and a third by John Egan helped 'the Kingdom' to another huge 3–13 to 1–8 defeat of Dublin.