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Dean Rock
Dean Rock
from Wikipedia

Dean Rock (born 26 February 1990) is an Irish Gaelic footballer who was a senior member of the Dublin county team from 2013 to 2023.[2]

Key Information

He has represented Dublin at all grades, Minor, Junior, U21 and Senior. He is a noted free taker and scored the winning point from a free in the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final. Colm O'Rourke has described Rock as "statistically the best free taker that has been to Croke Park".[3]

Early life

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Born in Ballymadun, Garristown, Rock was born into a family with a strong association with Gaelic football.[citation needed] His great-grandfather, grandfather and granduncle all worked as groundsmen at Croke Park, while his father, Barney Rock, is an All-Ireland medal winner with Dublin.[4]

Playing career

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Secondary school

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Rock attended the Catholic University School where he played rugby union in the absence of a Gaelic football team.[citation needed]

Club

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He simultaneously came to prominence at juvenile and underage levels with the Ballymun Kickhams club before making his debut with the senior team in 2008. Since then he has won one Leinster medal and two county senior championship medals.[citation needed]

Inter-county

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Minor and under-21

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Rock made his debut on the inter-county scene when he was selected for the Dublin minor team. After an unsuccessful tenure with the minor team, he later won an All-Ireland medal as part of the Dublin under-21 team.[citation needed]

Junior

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Dean Rock represented Dublin at Junior level in the 2009 Leinster Junior Football Championship. Dublin were knocked out in the semi-final by Louth. Dean Rock scored a total of 14 points for Dublin in his two appearances for Dublin Juniors.[5]

Senior

[edit]

Rock made his senior debut during the 2012 league when he was introduced as a substitute against Donegal in March. He made his championship debut the following year against Westmeath. Since then he has won six All-Ireland medals, beginning with his first title in 2013 and followed by five successive championships from 2015 to 2019. Rock has also won six Leinster medals and five National League medals. Rock has been awarded two All Star awards for Dublin in 2017 and 2016, when he finished the season as top scorer of the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship.

Rock only started his first league match for Dublin in 2015, after which he participated in 63 consecutive league and championship games.[1]

He is noted for his taking Dublin's frees, while attaining hitherto unimaginable levels of accuracy.[1] Having spent to years as a substitute in 2013 and 2014, he studied placed-ball kicking and worked kicking expert Dave Alred, as he revealed in 2017.[1]

In the 2016 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final replay defeat of Mayo, Rock scored 0–9 (including seven frees).[1]

In the 2017 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final defeat of Mayo, Rock scored 0–7 (including three frees), including the late winner through Lee Keegan's thrown GPS pack.[1]

In the 2018 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final defeat of Tyrone, Rock also scored 0–7 (including four frees).[1]

Rock's fifth point of the drawn 2019 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final (which gave Dublin a lead of 1–7 to 0–6) was his 411th point for his county in league and championship in his 88th game.[1] Combined with his 14 Dublin goals, Rock passed Bernard Brogan the Second to become the second highest scorer ever in Dublin football.[1] Unusually, Rock has done this mostly through points; he has the lowest goal-scoring record among the top ten (with only Charlie Redmond's 15 goals within reach) and achieved the feat while making fewer appearances than those around him in the all-time list.[1]

Rock holds the record for the fastest goal scored in the history of All-Ireland SFC finals, after sending the ball past David Clarke directly from the throw-in of the 2020 final, breaking Kerryman Garry McMahon's record which had stood since the 1962 final.[6]

On 16 January 2024, Rock announced his retirement from inter-county football.[7][8]

Post-playing career

[edit]

After retiring from inter-county football, Rock contributed to the GAAGO podcast[citation needed]

In September 2025, it was announced that Rock would be joining the backroom team of the recently appointed Dublin senior manager Ger Brennan.[9]

Career statistics

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As of match played 14 August 2021.
Appearances and scores by team, season and competition
Team Season National League Leinster All-Ireland Total
Division Apps Score Apps Score Apps Score Apps Score
Dublin 2013 Division 1 2 0–2 3 0–6 3 0–4 8 0–12
2014 0 0–0 3 0–8 2 0–2 5 0–10
2015 9 1–52 3 2–12 4 0–11 16 3–75
2016 9 1–40 3 1–28 4 0–30 16 2–98
2017 8 0–48 3 2–11 3 1–20 14 3–79
2018 8 1–32 3 2–16 4 0–25 15 3–73
2019 7 2–32 1 0–4 5 1–35 13 3–71
2020 7 3–37 3 1–16 2 1–10 12 5–63
2021 0 0–0 3 0–8 1 0–7 4 0–15
2022 3 0–12 0 0–0 0 0–0 3 0–12
Total 53 8–255 25 8–109 28 3–144 106 19–508

Personal life

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Rock is married to Niamh McEvoy, the Dublin senior ladies' footballer. They have a daughter called sadie rose rock and live in McEvoy's home town, the affluent Dublin suburb Malahide.[10][11][12]

Following the completion of the five-in-row in 2019, Rock spent a week in New York with Ciarán Kilkenny and Paddy Andrews.[13]

He debuted the "Dean Rock Free Taking Project" in mid-2020.[14]

Honours

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Dean Rock is a retired Irish Gaelic footballer who played as a forward and primary free-taker for the senior county team and his club Kickhams. He is renowned for his exceptional accuracy from dead balls and holds the record as 's all-time leading scorer with 24–591 (663 points). Rock's inter-county career, which began with his senior debut in 2009 and spanned until his retirement in January 2024, was marked by extraordinary success, including eight Senior Football Championships, 12 Leinster Senior Football Championships, six titles, and three awards. A key figure in 's dominant era under managers Pat Gilroy and Jim Gavin, he overcame an early setback of being dropped from the panel in 2012 before being recalled in 2013 following strong club performances. Notable highlights include scoring the winning point in the final seconds of the 2017 final against Mayo, netting the fastest goal in All-Ireland final history (13 seconds) in the 2020 decider versus the same opponents, and leveling the scores in added time during the 2019 final replay against Kerry. The son of Dublin legend Barney Rock, a one-time All-Ireland winner and the county's former leading scorer in the , Dean followed in his father's footsteps while establishing his own legacy as one of Gaelic football's most prolific forwards. Post-retirement, Rock has focused on family life with his wife and daughter Sadie, while remaining involved in club football and community initiatives.

Early life

Birth and family background

Dean Rock was born on 26 February 1990 in , . He is the son of Barney Rock, a prominent Gaelic footballer who played for from 1980 to 1991 and was a key member of the team that won the 1983 , defeating Galway in the final at [Croke Park](/page/Croke Park). Barney also earned three consecutive awards from 1983 to 1985 for his performances as a forward. Rock grew up in a sports-oriented household deeply immersed in traditions, with his father's legacy providing a constant backdrop. The resided near Ashbourne, close to the border between and —with their home in but postal address in Meath—but maintained strong ties to through Barney's involvement with Ballymun Kickhams, the local club in the area where the Rocks had roots. As the only son among four sisters, Rock was surrounded by a supportive environment that emphasized athletic participation, though his siblings pursued other interests. From a young age, Rock's early exposure to came through his father's guidance and the Ballymun Kickhams club. Barney Rock began bringing his son to training sessions at when Dean was eight years old, fostering his initial interest despite the family's location outside the club's immediate . This hands-on involvement included regular practice sessions on free-taking two nights a week, where Barney offered advice without imposing pressure, helping to build Rock's confidence in the sport from the outset.

Education and early sports involvement

Rock attended , a secondary institution in , where was not offered as a sport. Instead, he participated in , serving as a place-kicker, fullback, and winger on the school's Junior and Senior Cup teams during his teenage years. His early interest in Gaelic football stemmed from his family's deep involvement in the sport, though school constraints limited his opportunities to pursue it formally there. Rock also engaged in soccer alongside rugby at the school, but no significant achievements in these activities are recorded. He completed his , including the Leaving Certificate, in 2008 while balancing sports commitments.

Club and college career

Ballymun Kickhams

Dean Rock made his senior debut for Ballymun Kickhams in 2008, appearing from the bench during the Dublin club championship semi-final against Oliver Plunketts at . He earned a starting place the following year in the quarter-final against Kilmacud Crokes, a narrow one-point defeat (2-8 to 1-10) that highlighted his early potential as a forward despite the loss to a strong opponent featuring players like and Cian O'Sullivan. Following the completion of his secondary education at CUS in 2007, Rock seamlessly integrated into the Ballymun senior panel, contributing his developing scoring ability during a period of club rebuilding in the late 2000s. His familial ties to the club ran deep, as his father, Barney Rock, had been a key player on Ballymun's successful teams in the , including their last win prior to 2012. As a versatile forward known for his accuracy and movement, Rock became a consistent point-scorer, helping to elevate Ballymun's competitiveness amid improved facilities like a new all-weather pitch and clubhouse renovations that supported the club's growth. Ballymun Kickhams' resurgence peaked in 2012, when they captured the —their first title in 27 years—by edging Kilmacud Crokes 1-12 to 0-14 in a tense final at . Rock starred in the victory, scoring five points in the opening half to dismantle the Crokes defense with powerful runs and precise shooting, setting a commanding tone before a late rally fell short for the opponents. This triumph propelled into the provincial series, where they secured their maiden with a hard-fought 0-11 to 0-8 win over in , showcasing Rock's forward play in a campaign that boosted the club's profile and community engagement throughout the . The run continued to the final in 2013, a one-point loss (2-11 to 2-10) to St Brigid's, but marked Ballymun's emergence as a dominant club force. Rock continued to be a key contributor for in subsequent years, helping the club secure another in 2020 with a 2-15 to 0-12 victory over Ballyboden St Enda's in the final. He scored 0-7 in the decider, underscoring his ongoing importance to the team's success.

Dublin City University

Dean Rock enrolled at (DCU) in 2010 to study and Health, a program he completed with a degree in 2014. During his time at DCU, he represented the university's team in the , Ireland's premier inter-varsity competition, balancing these commitments with his ongoing involvement in club football at Ballymun Kickhams. This period, spanning roughly 2010 to 2013, saw Rock develop as a forward while managing a demanding schedule that included academic studies, training, and matches across both college and club levels. Rock played a pivotal role in DCU's successful 2012 Sigerson Cup campaign, which culminated in a 2-17 to 0-7 victory over NUI Maynooth in the final at Pearse Stadium, Salthill, on February 25, 2012. As part of a star-studded Dublin contingent including Paul Flynn and Eoghan O'Gara, Rock contributed significantly to the attack, scoring 0-4 (0-1 from a free) in the decider before being substituted in the 48th minute. His quick delivery from a free in the 47th minute set up David Kelly's second goal for DCU, helping secure their third Sigerson title in seven years. Throughout the tournament, Rock's scoring prowess and forward play were highlighted as key factors in DCU's progress, with his form earning him a call-up to the Dublin senior panel shortly after the final. The 2012 Sigerson success marked a high point in Rock's college career, providing valuable competitive experience at a national level while he navigated the challenges of integrating university football with club duties. Although DCU reached further stages in subsequent years, Rock's priorities shifted toward club commitments by 2013, limiting his later involvement. His contributions underscored DCU's reputation for nurturing talent during this era.

Inter-county career

Youth levels

Rock first represented at minor level in 2008, making his inter-county debut during the Leinster Minor Football Championship. As a forward, he featured in the team's campaign that year, which included a provincial quarter-final loss to Meath, marking an unsuccessful tenure without advancing to later stages. He progressed to the Dublin under-21 team in 2009, contributing points in key matches such as the Leinster semi-final victory over Meath, where he scored during a run of five successive points that helped secure a three-point lead. The following year, Rock played a prominent role in the 2010 Leinster Under-21 Football Championship, which Dublin won en route to the All-Ireland final. In that decider against Donegal at Breffni Park, he scored 0-4 (0-3 from frees), helping Dublin secure a narrow 1-10 to 1-8 victory for their second All-Ireland Under-21 title. Rock also featured for the Dublin junior team in 2009, lining out as a forward in the Junior Football Championship semi-final against Louth at Haggardstown. He contributed 0-5 (0-2 frees and 0-1 from a sideline) in regulation time, including a second-half point that briefly extended Dublin's lead to four points, but the team ultimately lost after extra time, surrendering their title. These youth experiences honed his skills as a dead-ball specialist and forward, leading to his initial inclusions on senior panels, though breakthroughs came later amid competitive selection pressures.

Senior career

Dean Rock made his senior inter-county debut for in the 2012 National Football League, coming on as a substitute against Donegal at on March 24. He faced early challenges, including being dropped from the panel ahead of the 2012 All-Ireland Championship, but rebounded strongly the following year through impressive club form with Ballymun Kickhams. Rock's breakthrough came in 2013, when he earned a place on the squad and contributed as a late substitute in the (SFC) final victory over Mayo, securing his first All-Ireland medal. This marked the start of 's era of dominance, with Rock establishing himself as a key forward and free-taker. Over his career, he became renowned for his accuracy from placed balls and open play, ultimately retiring as 's all-time leading scorer with 24-591 (663 points). From 2015 to 2019, Rock played a pivotal role in Dublin's unprecedented five-in-a-row SFC titles, starting in each final and providing crucial scores, including multiple points in victories over Kerry (2015 and 2019) and Mayo (2016 and 2017). His consistency earned him awards in 2016 and 2017, recognizing his impact as a forward. In 2020, amid the , Dublin extended their streak to six consecutive titles with a win over Mayo in the delayed final; Rock scored 1-2, including the fastest in SFC final history after just 13 seconds. Rock's scoring prowess shone in high-stakes moments, such as the 2017 final against Mayo, where he kicked 0-7 (six frees) and converted a dramatic injury-time free to secure a one-point victory and complete Dublin's three-in-a-row. He added a third in 2020 for his contributions during the pandemic-shortened season. Overall, Rock amassed eight SFC medals (2013, 2015–2020, 2023), 12 SFC titles, and six titles during Dublin's golden era. In the 2023 season, Rock remained a vital presence in attack, helping Dublin reclaim the SFC title with a victory over Kerry in the final, capping his senior career with an eighth .

Post-inter-county activities

Retirement announcement

Dean Rock announced his from inter-county on 16 January 2024, after 12 seasons with the senior team. The Ballymun Kickhams forward, aged 33, made the decision following the victory over Kerry, in which he contributed a point from play in his final appearance. In a statement released via the website, Rock described the move as a personal choice, reflecting on a career that exceeded his childhood dreams and allowing him to step aside fulfilled. Rock cited family considerations and career reflection as key factors in his post-2023 season decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize time with loved ones after years of intense commitment. He expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Niamh McEvoy—a former ladies' footballer—for her unconditional support through the highs and lows, noting excitement for their shared future alongside their daughter, Sadie. Rock also thanked his parents and extended family for their encouragement, as well as the Ballymun Kickhams club and supporters for their unwavering backing. His statement highlighted the emotional weight of the moment, underscoring a sense of closure after representing his county since his senior debut in 2012. The announcement prompted immediate tributes from , who praised Rock's dedication and wished him well in retirement. Teammates, including midfielder , lauded his leadership and scoring prowess, with Fenton posting on about Rock's irreplaceable impact on the team. Media outlets such as and the covered the event extensively, hailing Rock as Dublin's all-time leading scorer with 24–591 points (663 total).

Coaching and media roles

Following his inter-county retirement in January 2024, Dean Rock transitioned into media analysis roles, contributing expert insights on Gaelic football. He joined the GAAGO platform as an analyst, appearing on episodes of "The Analysis Show" to break down tactics and patterns of play from recent matches, such as those in the 2024 National Football League. For instance, in April 2024, Rock discussed defensive strategies and scoring opportunities alongside former Armagh player Aaron Kernan, drawing on his experience as Dublin's record points scorer. He has also made guest appearances on established podcasts like Off The Ball, providing commentary on All-Ireland Championship developments, including Dublin's challenges in 2025, where they were eliminated in the preliminary quarter-final by Cork. Rock maintained his involvement with Ballymun Kickhams after stepping away from the senior team, continuing to play club football while balancing professional and family commitments. In the 2025 , he contributed significantly from the placed ball, scoring eight points (0-8, including three two-point frees and one one-point free) in a quarter-final match against Na Fianna in September. This ongoing club role allowed him to stay connected to the grassroots level of the game, as he noted in a May 2025 , emphasizing the enjoyment derived from team training and matches amid his post-retirement schedule. In September 2025, Rock was appointed to the backroom team of the senior football management under new Ger Brennan, marking his entry into formal coaching. Alongside former teammates and Denis Bastick, as well as Professor Niall Moyna, Rock joined the setup ahead of the 2026 season, focusing on supporting player development and preparation. This role builds on his expertise in skills and strategy, enabling him to contribute to the county's continued competitiveness while continuing his club duties with Ballymun Kickhams.

Statistics and honours

Career statistics

Dean Rock's inter-county career with the Dublin senior team from 2012 to 2023 saw him make 132 appearances, scoring 24 goals and 591 points for a total of 663 points across the and Senior Football . In the Senior Football , he amassed 11 goals and 238 points (271 total points) over 49 games up to the end of the 2020 season, establishing himself as Dublin's all-time leading scorer at that point. His contributions continued in subsequent years, including a point in the 2023 final.
CompetitionAppearancesGoals–PointsTotal Points
(up to 2020)Not specified8–244268
Senior Football Championship (up to 2020)4911–238271
Overall Inter-County (2012–2023)13224–591663
At club level with Ballymun Kickhams, Rock was a consistent top scorer in the , contributing key tallies during their successful campaigns, including 23 points across the last four games en route to the 2013 club final. Notable performances include 1-8 (2f, 1 mark) in the 2020 SFC final over Ballyboden St Enda's and 0-9 (8f, 1 '45) in a 2016 quarter-final win against . In with , Rock played a prominent role in the 2012 Sigerson Cup-winning campaign, scoring 0-6 in the opening round against Cork IT, 0-8 (6f) in the semi-final against Jordanstown, and contributing to the final victory over NUI where DCU triumphed 2-17 to 0-7. He added 0-1 in DCU's 2013 semi-final defeat to Dublin IT.

Youth

Dublin
  • All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championship (1): 2010
  • Under-21 Football Championship (2): 2009, 2012

College

Club

Ballymun Kickhams

Inter-county

Team

Individual

  • All Stars (3): 2016, 2017, 2020
  • Recognition as Dublin's all-time top scorer in senior inter-county championship and league combined

Personal life

Family

Dean Rock married Niamh McEvoy, a former Dublin ladies' Gaelic footballer and five-time winner, in 2023 at in . The couple, who began dating in 2014 and got engaged in December 2021, have built a life centered on mutual support in their athletic pursuits, with McEvoy retiring from inter-county football in 2022 after a 15-year career. The Rocks are parents to two daughters: Sadie Rose, born in August 2022, and Rose Anna, born in June 2025. Sadie served as the flower girl at her parents' , highlighting the close-knit family dynamic that has underpinned Rock's professional life. The resides in , , where McEvoy grew up, having relocated there from Rock's upbringing after moving in together in 2018 and purchasing a home in 2021. Throughout Rock's career, his provided unwavering encouragement, with McEvoy's own successes in ladies' football mirroring and bolstering his achievements on the field. His father, Barney Rock, a 1983 winning forward, played a pivotal role in fostering his passion for the sport from a young age. Rock's decision to retire from inter-county football in 2024 was influenced by a desire to prioritize time with his growing .

Other interests and initiatives

In mid-2020, Dean Rock launched the Dean Rock Free Taking Project, a specialized coaching initiative designed to enhance free-taking skills among aspiring players through personalized sessions and technical guidance. The program offered one-on-one and small-group training, drawing on Rock's renowned expertise as Dublin's record points scorer, with sessions priced to reflect the specialized instruction provided. Despite some over its , the project continued to operate via an active online presence, aiming to inspire and educate participants on the mental and physical aspects of accurate free-taking. Rock has remained actively involved in community football initiatives in Ballymun, his home area, supporting local environmental and volunteer efforts through his club, Ballymun Kickhams. In February 2024, he participated in a tree-planting event as part of the National 100 Million Trees Project, collaborating with club members and residents to promote in the urban community. Earlier, in 2022, Rock joined a sponsored community walk with young academy players to raise funds and awareness for the club's development programs. In May 2025, he attended the launch of EirGrid's Community Heroes campaign at Ballymun Kickhams, highlighting the contributions of GAA volunteers and reinforcing the role of sports in strengthening local ties. Post-retirement from inter-county football in January 2024, Rock has pursued business interests in the sector, serving as National Sales Manager at Procure.ie, a platform that streamlines processes for builders. He has integrated lessons from his GAA career, such as discipline and team dynamics, into his professional role, while, along with fellow player John Small, leveraging GAA business networks to connect athletes with corporate opportunities, such as their roles at Procure.ie. These ventures allow Rock to extend his sports legacy into educational and entrepreneurial programs that nurture talent beyond the field, balancing personal growth with community impact.

References

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