Temperatures sizzle in Bangkok as Healy blazes a trail to prove she is cream of All-Star crop
THERE were 14 goals and some impressive football on show throughout a pulsating All-Star exhibition in which Ephie Fitzgerald’s 2016 team claimed bragging rights in sweltering conditions.
Just a single point separated the sides at the finish, with some of Dublin’s All-Ireland-winning side leading the way for the 2016 selection in 37C temperatures at the Chulalongkorn University Stadium in Bangkok.
Players’ Player of the year Noelle Healy shone brightly for the winners on the day, finishing with 3-2, while Dublin team-mates Lyndsey Davey (two) and Sinead Aherne also netted goals, along with Cork’s Orla Finn.
Armagh’s Aimee Mackin and Donegal’s Yvonne Bonner collected two each for the 2017 team, while Aisling Doonan, Niamh Hegarty and Niamh McEvoy also netted.
It was a game played at a remarkable pace despite the sizzling heat and one which had a mixture of everything. Not only were there some excellent scoretaking, the saves on show from Ciara Trant, Martina O’Brien and Noelle Gormley were also top class.
Another interesting battle came at midfield, with Mayo’s Aileen Gilroy and Fiona McHale among those to impress as they went head-to-head.
The first quarter was an exciting one as 2016 team finished with two goals courtesy of Healy and Aherne. Monaghan’s Ciara McAnespie was another to keep the scoreboard ticking over while Mackin, Doonan and Bonner split the posts for the 2017 team.
Healy was on fire once again in the second quarter, bagging two goals in quick succession before Finn added a fifth goal.
At the other end, Donegal’s Niamh Hegarty and Mackin rattled the net as the scoreboard read 5-12
to 2-15 at half-time.
On the restart and fresh from captaining DCU to Gourmet Food Parlour O’Connor Cup glory, Tipperary’s Aishling Moloney sprung to life collecting 0-3 to spur the 2016 team on.
At the other end, Doonan fired home while Mackin continued to impress.
And despite the soaring temperatures, the impressive performance continued into the final quarter as players from both sides capped the goalfest.
Lyndsey Davey accounted for two of the 2016 team’s, while Bonner, Niamh McEvoy and Mackin slotted home at the other end to close proceedings.
But it was too little, too late for Mick Bohan’s 2017 contingent as Fitzgerald’s charges held out for a narrow win.