Fionnuala Carr (daughter of Ross) was outstanding for Down at centre back. No matter what Dublin did the side couldn't counter her. Mairin McAleenan (former Allstar) also had a huge impact on the game when introduced just before half time.

Selector Irene Kirwan adds "It's important that people don't forget that we are up against the top teams in these counties so basically it's Dublin B against Down's best, Offaly's best, Waterford's best. I'm not trying to make excuses but we did lose 4 of our stalwarts from the league to the Seniors. The girls were very disappointed after Saturday's game and we intend to use it as motivation as we go on. We can still qualify if we win our next 2 games."

There were positives however

Irene adds "Eve Talbot was fantastic at full back - I mean really excellent especially having come out of retirement to play so well. The backs in general played well but were under enormous pressure with the ball coming so quickly back out of the forward line. We had 3 U18s playing: Leagh West, Jane Nolan, and Jenny Russell, and Mairi Moynihan is still only U17. The squad has recently been strengthened by 3 Erins Isle Senior As: Valerie Reaney, Gillian McCluskey and her sister Ann-Marie McCluskey. Again Valerie and Gillian have come out of retirement. I'm delighted to have them and all the wisdom and experience they bring. We need to ensure that the county teams don't lose players like these two and Eve and Lizzie McGuinness before their time. The juniors should be a mixture of those on the way down from the seniors and those using it as a stepping stone up to the seniors.

Despite Saturdays result/performance nobody wants to give up. The atmosphere at training is great. The effort is great. I can see great improvements - we just have to get them to produce it on a big day now!"

Elizabeth McGuinness, Jane Nolan, Eve Talbot (Capt), Olive Sorohan, Grainne Quinn, Paula Bruen, Jenny Russell, Orla Sheehan, Mairi Moynihan, Kirsten Farrell, Valerie Reaney, Susan Kennedy, Leanne Hyland, Leagh West, Helen Cosgrave

Subs that came in: Gillian McCluskey for Leanne Hyland, Ann Marie McCluskey for Kirsten Farrell, Brigid Sweetman for Lizzie McGuinness, Norah Kirby for Orla Sheehan, Leanne Kennedy for Susan Kennedy.

Bridget Sweetman, Gillian McCluskey, Ann Marie McCluskey, Nora Kirby, Niamh Adams, Gráinne Ryan, Leanne Kennedy, Hannah McInerney, Ann Kirwan, Nathalie Behan, Niamh Drummond, Aisling Fogarty, Hannah Larmon

Down's scorers: N Branniff 2-1,F Carr 1-2 (1pen, 0-2f), R Mc Polin 1-0, C Mc Gourty 0-6 (0-5f), S L Carr 0-3, N Mc Nally, K O'HIggins, O Maginn, K Mc Mullan 0-1 each.