Double vision suits Murphy

STRIKING two sliotars for the price of one -- that's Denis Murphy's view on Saturday's OZO Dub All-Stars camogie clash against Dublin at Pairc de Burca, Glenalbyn (2.15).

The match was due to take place on Tuesday, December 28, but Bing Crosby and his chorus put a stop to that.

But now that Frosty and the crew have finally flown home, the heat has been rising around this particular fixture.

"We are delighted that Kilmacud Crokes are in a position to host the rearranged Dub All-Stars games," says Dublin vice-chairperson, Brendan Cooper.

"Saturday will be the ideal way for both associations to kick-start the New Year, and I think they could well be two excellent matches."

Denis Murphy will have Ann Colgan, David Needham and Doreen Golden for company in the Dublin dugout.

Calibre

Ann was on the last Dublin team to lift the O'Duffy Cup in 1984. They beat Tipperary in the final. Having somebody of her calibre represents quite a coup.

Davis Needham's work is highly respected. He was on John Murphy's management ticket that saw Dublin come within a breath of reaching last September's All-Ireland minor hurling final.

The dedication of Doreen Golden has also to be applauded. Year in, year out, she has been serving at the Dublin coalface.

Denis is delighted with his management team, and he views Saturday as an important date.

"Many of the girls in our squad have been picked on the Dub All-Stars, so the game gives us the opportunity to see two teams," he remarks.

"From that point of view, it will be a valuable exercise. We realise it's early in the year and all of that, and it won't be played at a championship pace.

"Still, the standard will be high and the speed of the game will certainly be far higher than maybe some of the girls are used to at club level."

The Dublin panel includes the Naomh Mearnóg duo, Stephanie Carthy and Catriona Power, who both performed with gusto during last season's All-Ireland Championship campaign.

Carthy played in goal. She never had an easy afternoon, but time and again, she made some excellent saves.

Power captained the team. She is a secure and accomplished defender with an admirable temperament. Also in action will be the class defender, Elaine O'Meara of Na Fianna, while Raheny's Ciara Burgess will bring energy to the Blue corner.

Sharp

The Dub All-Star rearguard will have to be sharp to contain quality like Fiona Hayes of Ballinteer St John's and Arlene Cushen from Na Fianna.

The new supremo is keen for the hour to have a good tempo. The National League is only around the next corner.

Dublin: S Carthy (Naomh Mearnóg); R Markham (Raheny), S Ryan (Good Counsel), G Ryan (Na Fianna); C Power (Naomh Mearnóg), E O'Meara (Na Fianna), D Smith (St Vincent's); C Burgess (Raheny), S O'Toole (Lucan Sarsfields); A Kelly (Raheny), F Hayes (Ballinteer St John's), A Cushen (Na Fianna); L Devine (Erin's Isle), H McInerney (Na Fianna), L Twomey (Naomh Mearnóg). Subs: J Russell (St Vincent's), S Kennedy (Ballyboden St Enda's), R Costello (Naomh Fionnbarra), E Ryan (Crumlin), A Kirwan (St Brigid's), M Moynihan (Lucan Sarsfields), M Twomey (Naomh Mearnóg), E Gallery (Portobello), K Farrell (Good Counsel), J Hoary (Good Counsel), A Carolan (St Oliver Plunkett's/ER), E Hickey (Ballyboden St Enda's), P McGrath (Ballyboden St Enda's).