Dublin 2 - 11 Dub All-Stars 2 - 6
The inaugural KCC Architectural Dubs Stars game got off to a very successful start at Páirc de Búrca, Kilmacud Crokes in bitterly cold conditions.
In spite of the weather, a very healthy attendance enjoyed the fare - the first joint senior event organised by the Dublin Camogie and Ladies Football Boards. The All-Stars initiative is also the first of its kind for club players in camogie and ladies football in the country. The concept was the brainchild of Board Chairs Brendan Cooper and Camillus Kilpatrick.
Both Association Presidents Joan O'Flynn and Pat Quill were on hand to do the honours and both complimented the boards on this co-operative endeavours. Deserved praise was also accorded to John Sheridan, Anne Noctor, Brenda Keogh-Murphy, Aislinn Harkin, Yvonne Burke and their army of helpers at Kilmacud Crokes.
Few would have blamed the players if they took a less than enthusiastic part in the games in view of the icy wind and rain but the crowd was treated to very competitive fare.
Aided by the breeze, Dublin were three points to the good after ten minutes thanks to the impressive Mairi Moynihan, Ciara Durkan and Amy Murphy. But a brace of points by Valerie Reaney brought the Dub All-Stars back into contention.
It's an amazing statistic but only one point came from a free in the entire game - a point by Joelenne Hoary in the 13th minute. But the players showed great skill and tenacity to keep the game flowing ably refereed by Gerry McGeogh. Miriam Twomey added to her growing reputation with two fine points in the 17th and 18th minutes before Amy Murphy made a superb catch to finish with a great point.
When it seemed that Dublin were beginning to build a sizeable lead the Dub All-Stars struck back with a goal from Aine Power in the 24th minute.
Alyson Maguire was hurling well at wing back and Laura Twomey was winning good ball at midfield. Once again Mairi Moynihan pointed before Joelenne Hoary added her first from play. A rasping shot from Amy Murphy from 30m ended up in the net to give Dublin a 1 - 9 to 1 - 3 lead, Elaine Duncan pointing for the All-Stars. Another point from play by Joelenne Hoary left the county side 1 - 10 to 1 - 3 in front at the break.
With the breeze at their backs, the Dub All-Stars staged a serious recovery in the second half with Fiona Hayes grabbing a goal and a point and Louise O'Hara chipping in with two points. However Miriam Twomey grabbed the decisive goal when she netted from close range to secure the silverware for the Dublin team. The All-Stars might have pipped it only to be denied by three brilliant saves by Stephanie Carthy in the closing stages.
Louise O'Hara was named the Player of the Match.
Dublin: Stephanie Carthy, Jane Nolan, Tara Corrigan, Danielle Smith, Rachel Costello, Sarah Ryan, Alyson Maguire, Laura Twomey, Mairi Moynihan (0-2), Clodagh Cooney, Joelenne Hoary (0-3, 1f), Emer Lucey, Amy Murphy (1-2), Miriam Twomey (1-2).
Others to play: Orlaith Durkan, Rachel Noctor, Eva McNicholas
Dub All-Stars: Louise Curry, Jean Murphy, Eve Talbot, Olive Sorohan, Ruth Breheny, Ciara Lucey, Paula Bruen, Louise O'Hara (0-2), Elaine Duncan (0-1), Edel Reid, Aine Power (1-0), Fiona Hayes (1-1), Ruth Lyons, Karen Blood, Valerie Reaney (0-2)
Others to play: Catherine Boyle, Lisa Murray, Sonya Byrne, Eadaoin Mulcahy, Claire Donohoe