Foxrock Cabinteely 0-8 - 2-09 Donaghmoyne
It wasn't to be for back-to-back Leinster Champions, Foxrock/Cabinteely, as Donaghmoyne showed the kind of mettle that has now seen them put back to back All-Ireland titles together.
The south Dubliners made a nervy start in Donnycarney, and hit four early wides. Cora Courtney, with a fine solo effort, opened the scoring for the Monaghan champions inside a couple of minutes, and it set the tone for the afternoon.
Cathriona McConnell, with two, and Louise Kerley tacked on points to stretch their lead, before McConnell struck for a goal to put real breathing space between the sides as half-time approached
It took the Dublin Champions nearly twenty-five minutes to score, and by then, they were 1-7 behind. The final two scores of the half, via Anne Marie Murphy, and Amy Connolly, gave Foxrock hope, but their chances were dealt a severe blow early in the second-half.
We are proud of every one of these girls. 2016 Leinster & Dublin Champions and All Ireland Finalists. What a year. pic.twitter.com/FSXpSVVWiF
— OFFICIAL FoxCab GAA (@OFFICIALFoxCab) December 4, 2016
McConnell's hopeful long range shot forced Laurie Ahern into a mistake in the Foxrock goal, and Kerley was there to pounce.
But Pat Ring's team, to their credit, battled on right until the end. They scored four points in a row, but the goal they so desperately needed just wouldn't come.
A fine move late on saw an effort by Anne Marie Murphy come back off the inside of the post. It was just one of the days - The Dublin club couldn't get any closer.
Foxrock/Cabinteely scorers: Amy Connolly 0-5 (0-3f), Anne-Marie Murphy 0-2, Ciara Murphy 0-1
Donaghmoyne scorers: Cathriona McConnell 1-5, Louise Kerley 1-1, Cora Courtney, Amanda Casey, Niamh Callan 0-1 each
