Dublin 4-9 Limerick 1-3
Although there was only a goal between the sides in the first 30 minutes, a stronger Dublin side always had the upper hand in a game where Limerick failed to score from play.
Limerick took an early lead through the accuracy from frees of Catrín de Bhál who scored 1-2 but a goal from Ashling McDonald midway through the first half put Dublin ahead for the first time
A scrambled goal by Tino Kelly from a long-range free by Laura Keoghan extended Dublin’s lead which was augmented by an excellent point from Elaine Gallery.
Following last year’s All-Ireland Junior success, Limerick have had to totally rebuild their team and once Dublin set out their stall in the second half, the home side completely took over in defence.
Second half substitutions also had a big impact none more so than the introduction of Carolanne Canning. With her first touch she won a free which another replacement Georgina Kelly pointed. Carolanne then chipped in with a point of her own before in the 45 th minute she rounded the full back to slip home a clever goal. Her next play also resulted in a pointed free for Georgina Kelly before she finished the game with a great pass to Rachel O’Connor who scored Dublin’s fourth and best goal. In fact Dublin substitutes accounted for 2-5 for the home side’s tally.
There were fine performances also from Danielle Powell, Gráinne Smith and Róisín Drohan in defence and Ali McGrath and Megan O’Reilly were industrious upfront.
Joeleen Hoary, Grainne Smith, Danielle Powell, Rebecca Doherty, Leah Butler, Michelle Kelly, Róisín Drohan, Jennifer Browne (0-1), Rachel Noctor, Ali McGrath, Laura Mulvey, Laura Keoghan (0-1f), Elaine Gallery (0-2), Ashling McDonald (1-1), Tino Kelly (1-0).
Subs: Carolanne Canning (1-1), Megan O’Reilly, Rachel O’Connor (1-0), Georgina Kelly (0-3, 2f), Eilise O’Grady, Ashling Pike
Referee: Eamonn Cassidy (Derry)