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The Dubs headed off to face the All Ireland Champions Cork in the majestic surroundings of Mallow GAA club on Sunday last in what turned out to be a thrilling encounter with both teams putting their unbeaten records on the line.

Dublin started brightly with 2 points from Sinead Aherne and Niamh Hurley but the Cork forwards soon got into their stride. After opening their account with a free a great move ended up in a Cork goal scored by Deirdre O’Reilly to bring the game level. But the Dublin response was quick as Orla Colreavy drove up field to kick a superb point to restore the Dubs lead but Cork hit back with a free from the boot of Valerie Mulcahy.But the game turned in the 21^st minute when a high ball in to the Cork square was brilliantly flicked to the net by Anne-Marie Murphy to leave the half time score 1-7 to 1-4 in Dublin’s favour.Cork started the second half and showed why they are all Ireland Champions and in no time had the gap reduced to the bare minimum. But this new look Dublin side hit back and began to play the football they had promised all season driven from Midfield by Niamh McEvoy and inspired by a Mary Nevin point rallied to restore their lead. Further points from the impressive Aherne and Lyndsey Davey Increased Dublin’s lead before a great move saw Niamh Hurley crash the ball into the Cork net. Cork yet again refused to lie down and quickly responded with a Valerie Mulcahy point to close the gap. But to their eternal credit this Dublin side really began to believe in itself and defended like their lives depended on it led all the way by captain Denise Masterson.But Champions Cork were not beaten yet and fantastic strike from Juliette Murphy Rattled the Dublin net with just seconds to go to set up a grandstand finish. Cork threw everything in to attack but brave defending from Noelle Comyn among others repelled the Cork Attack till referee Keith Delahunty blew the final whistle which was greeted with great scenes of joy in the Dublin Camp. After three agonizing draws they had now gained that elusive first win which will give great confidence to this young Dublin side and its manager Gerry McGill who now will face Meath in their final league game. This truly was a very proud day for all involved with Dublin ladies football to defeat their hosts and All Ireland Champions Cork in what was another hugely enjoyable Division 1 clash.

Dublin Team:Cliondha O’Connor,Maeve Remond,Noelle Coymn,Maria Kavanagh,Orla Colreavy,Denise Masterson (Capt),Siobhan McGrath,Niamh McEvoy,Amy McGuinnes,Mary Nevin,Anne-Marie Murphy,Ciara Murphy,Lyndsey Davey,Sinead Ahearn,Niamh Hurley

Scorers: Sinead Ahearn (0-7) Niamh Hurley (1-1) Anne-Marie Murphy (1-0) Lyndsey Davey,Orla Colreavy and Mary Nevin (0-1)each