One win and one defeat for Dublin sides in Croker

IT PROVED to be a mixed evening in Croke Park for Dublin football last night as the male and female big ball teams both saw action in their respective National League campaigns.

Whereas Mick Bohan’s ladies outfit enjoyed a comprehensive 2-15 to 2-3 triumph over Cork in LIDL NFL Division 1B, Dessie Farrell’s men suffered a 2-11 to 0-12 reversal at the hands of Mayo in Division One of the Allianz League.

Since returning to the inter-county scene – following a successful career as an international rugby star – Clondalkin native Hannah Tyrrell has been a revelation for the Sky Blues.

Played as a curtain-raiser to their male counterparts, the Dublin ladies were squaring off against Cork for the first time since last June’s top-tier decider at GAA HQ.

Tyrrell contributed an outstanding tally of 1-9 from full-forward (including eight points from frees) to ensure the Jackies always remained a step ahead of the Leesiders.

An All Star in 2021, Ballinteer St John’s ace Orlagh Nolan also chipped in with a fine point.

There was also a place in the starting line-up for Lucan Sarsfields goalkeeper Abby Shiels, while Tammy Quinn Corbally (Thomas Davis) and Natalia Hyland (Ballyboden St Endas) were part of the extended spell.

Although a member of Kilmacud Crokes, Kate McDaid is a sister of Dublin and Ballyboden defender Robbie, and was named at midfield as her side made it two wins from two in this year’s league.

This is in stark contrast to the current form of the Dublin men’s team, who fell to a third straight defeat in 2022 when coming up short against Mayo.

First-half goals from Jack Carney and Aiden Orme had guided the westerners towards a 2-6 to 0-9 interval lead and they never looked in danger of losing a grip on the proceedings.

There was considerable local interest in this Dublin team, with Tom Lahiff (St Jude’s) and Niall Scully (Templeogue Synge Street) joining Ballyboden St Enda’s duo Ross McGarry and Ryan Basquel in the starting line-up.

McGarry enjoyed a productive 40 minutes on the pitch, contributing two points including an effort from a mark.

Scully’s TSS team-mate Lorcan O’Dell added a point as a substitute that very nearly ended up in the net, while Cian Murphy (Thomas Davis) and Harry Ladd (Lucan Sarsfields) were also afforded game time in the closing minutes.

Yet it wasn’t enough to rein in the challenge of Mayo and Dublin will now look to pick up the pieces when they face Kildare at St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge next Sunday.