Report by Grainne Hogan
Dublin Camogie Reporter (Nh Ólaf)

The Dubs hosted the Down team in Croke Park today for round 5 of the Littlewoods Ireland Division 1 Camogie League. This fixture was a step in the right direction for Dublin camogie; seeing as the game was a double header with the Dublin v Donegal football match, it meant that supporters were out to back their counties in both codes, providing the Dublin camogie team with a lively atmosphere for the big day. It was the first time playing in Croker for many of the young Dublin squad, they pulled out all the stops for the occasion and came onto the pristine pitch eager to build on their win over Offaly.
Although it may have been chilly up in the stands, the weather conditions on the field were bright, mild, and calm. The girls in blue lined out in the new alternate striped jersey. The match was refereed by Cavan man Philip McDonald.
O’Sullivan’s team were quick off the mark today, despite Down winning the breaking ball, Dublin midfielder Emma Flanagan put the sliotar between the posts first. Vice-captain Aisling Maher and Kerrie Finnegan each followed suit, putting their side at a 4 point advantage. Down’s opening score came from Niamh Mallon in the 11th minute, after efforts from the Dublin backline to keep her out. Clean turnovers and clearances from the likes of full back Eve O’Brien and the reliable Muireann Kelleher led to another handful of points for the home side, scored by Elyse Jamieson Murphy, Jody Couch, Aisling O’Neill and Maher, all from play. The half time score reflects the domination displayed by the girls in blue, with the scoreboard reading Dublin 0-8 to Down 0-3.
The Dublin team ran back out of the Croke Park tunnel with their heads held high and determined to keep a hold of their lead, and their confidence was spurred on by a near goal chance threatened from Niamh Gannon within the first two minutes. Gannon went on to join the list of scorers with her first well-deserved point in the 9th minute. Following a number of substitutions from each county in the beginning of this half, came the first and only goal of the game from Aisling O’Neill, it was a soaring ball that came from the outside of the 45 and found it’s way to the back of the net on the Hill 16 end.
The sun worked in the Dublin girls’ favour, making it impossible for Down goalkeeper Catherine McGourty to see the sliotar dropping in.
Dublin kept up the support play between Emma O’Byrne and the half forward line and continued starving the Down forwards of possession. The girls in blue relentlessly sent the ball over the bar, resulting in a ten point win for the home team. The final score was Dublin 1-13 to Down 0-6. The match was an invaluable experience for both teams and the result lands Dublin in 3rd place of the Littlewoods Ireland Division 1 Camogie League.
Go raibh míle maith agat a Tom Ryan of Croke Park and Na Fianna for his kindness, advice and navigation of the stadium.
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