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ANGIE was as good as her word. The great McNally said the Dub All-Stars would give Dublin a run for it ... and a bit more.

And thats exactly what happened in Páirc de Burca, Glenalbyn, yesterday.

It was the historic first playing of the KCC Architectural double-bill.

ROLLING

The camogie folk got the ball rolling and the lady footballers followed, ensuring that all in all it was an occasion to remember.

Darkness was falling quickly on Kilmacud Crokes HQ by the time Tony Lennon blew the whistle for the last time.

By that stage, there had been a soaking for everybody in the audience.

The morning papers would carry a few death notices for discarded umbrellas.

But not to worry. Opening day had the faithful, as in Oliver Twist, calling for more.

"It was a pity the conditions were so bad, but you just couldnt fault the attitude of the girls," remarked Dub All-Stars manager, Angie McNally.

"There was so much commitment and effort put in over the 60 minutes. It was wonderful to see.

"I was delighted with the win. We managed to pull away a little bit in the end.

"But Im sure Gerry (McGill) will also be pleased. The game gave him an opportunity to see players who are not involved in the Dublin squad.

"There was no shortage of talent there. And I feel that if Dublin can build on what they achieved last season, the future is looking very good indeed."

The All-Stars could have won by more at the finish. Hannah Tyrell made two penalty saves at the swimming pool end in the first half.

The elements were playing all kinds of tricks with the size five. It tested the best of them.

Chances that players would normally pop over in their PJs drifted wide of the mark.

It was a day for doing the simple things well.

Lyndsey Peat handled the leather with basketball perfection.

She made some purposeful bursts for the Jackies. As did her midfield partner, Colleen Barrett.

Skerries Harps ace Lyndsey Davey confirmed her undoubted class. She hit Dublins goal in the second half.

They trailed by 2-0 to 0-3 at the interval. Nicci Daly and Elaine Kelly got the All-Star goals.

TUSSLE

One of the best offerings of the tussle was the point from Dublins Emma Travers in the opening period.

Kelly, Mary Nevin, Natalia Hyland and Sinead Aherne put some pretty All Star pictures together.

The All-Stars also collected the Player-of-the-Match vote as Sinead Finnegan took the applause.

Noelle Comyn, Rachel Byrne, Orla Colreavy and Noelle Healy also did their share of the wrapping.

As the advert says, the weather outside was frightful, but the football was so delightful.

And never was a post-match meal as warmly welcomed by all.

- Niall Scully