Reporter: Gary Beagan#

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The last Saturday in August, the last trip down the N7 in 2010 for the Stormbirds. Travelling in hope, despite missing the seasons star performer Niamh Byrne through injury, and a few girls to county championships. Club vs County is always a tough call. Dublin were in Group 2 along with Cork and Clare. Certainly not going to easy as Cork won the previous blitz in Waterford.

First up was Cork. Dublin started slowly and Cork looked like they were continuing were they left off in Waterford. However Leah Mullins and Doireann Mullany started to gain parity in midfield and they started the move that led to Dublin’s only score half way through the half by Orla Beagan. The defence of Blaithin Mc Quillan, Eilise O Grady , Chloe Rochfort (Dublin’s new Captain) and goalkeeper Sinead Kiernan who had to make several good saves, were under pressure right through the match and done well to keep Cork’s score to 1-1. Final Score Cork 1-1 Dublin 0-1.

Next up were Clare in a must win game. Dublin started brightly with Mary Cronin winning some good ball at midfield and making sure the forwards had plenty of ball. Laura Morrissey scored a point to settle the nerves and Ailish O Neill scored a fine goal with a low shot to the net. Dublin were well on top and further scores and great play from Aoife Mc Kenna, Laura Mulvey and Tess Coyne meant there was no way back for Clare. Final Score Dublin 4-5 Clare 0-0. Scorers Laura Morrissey 2-2, Tess Coyne 1-1, Ailish O Neill 1-0, Laura Mulvey 0-2.

Finishing runner-up in group, meant Dublin played Limerick in semi Final. This was a game of missed opportunities and the unknown whistle. Dublin were completely on top in the first half, however only had a point from Doireann Mullany to show by half time. The ball did not want to cross the Limerick line despite 3 goalmouth scrambles. In the second half, Limerick threw everything at Dublin, however great performances from Anne Marie Courtney, Sophie Lyons and Sarah Nagle in defence kept Limerick scores to only points. Limerick scored five points in a row without reply. A superb solo by Anna Walsh led to a Dublin free 20 metres from goal. Free taker Orla Beagan was instructed to try for goal, and despite the shot being saved, Ailish O Neill followed up to score a goal. 1 minute left, time for an equaliser. A long clearance from Dublin seen Laura Morrissey catch the ball 20 metres out. Misconfusion as a whistle sounds, but from a different match. Ball is cleared, and then the real whistle sounds for full time. Just not our day, but no doubt there will be other days. Limerick went on to win blitz in Semple Stadium.

Paul rounded up the year in team talk as great year. Winning the All Ireland Blitz in Cork was the highlight. Anyone that was there will never forget how every player gave 110% to win 7 matches in a row to claim the title. Highlights and lowlights, the lowlight is back to freezing locks and 8.30 starts in St Brigids. To have highlights, you must have lowlights. Thanks to all the parents who travelled and gave great support to the girls.