Dublin 1-18 Dubs Stars 3-11: THE TRADITIONAL Dubs Stars hurling match ended in mild controversy yesterday when the cabal of hard-working reporters had one full-time score (a draw), the official scoreboard another and St Vincent's referee Tony Lambe a third final tally.
We went with Mr Lambe's assessment of a first victory for new manager Anthony Daly on a scoreline of 1-18 to 3-11. Clearly an early score was marked wide by the scribblers. Not that it really matters as Daly noted afterwards that this was a trial match to allow the Clare man get his feet under the table.
"Jaysus, there is as many of ye as if it was a Leinster semi-final lads," said Daly, who is still growing accustomed to the Dublin sports media. We rarely miss a chance to poke a dictaphone under a high-profile intercounty managers nose, even if it is just a couple of hours into 2009 even in the freezing outreaches of Kilbarrack - Roddy Doyle country.
But remember, they were sharing the bill with the footballers in the annual Dub Stars game in Páirc Barróg which always guarantees a media presence.
"I'm delighted. All we wanted today was a commitment really. For a New Year's Day at half twelve it was great. Great. They had a lie-in of course. I was the one up early."
Did you drive all the way up from Clare this morning, Anthony? "I did, I did. I was on the road at half past seven."
What did you do last night so?
"I was working until 10 and I went away then. I was delighted with some of the young lads. Liam Rushe (four points from play) was very impressive. He is very young but showing great potential. You saw Dotsy (David O'Callaghan) come alive near the end with a couple of goals so I'm just happy because that is our first time getting everyone together because coming up to Christmas all we were doing was a couple of trials and they were doing their weights. We wouldn't have really had them.
"I'm looking down at the programme putting faces to names and stuff like that."
Everyone already knows all about O'Callaghan. Having done the unusual and stepped away from the Dublin football panel last season, the St Mark's forward produced an excellent summer's hurling and on this evidence the Dublin attack will be built around him in 2009. His third goal drew gasps of approval from the crowd. It was a master craftsman at work.
Next up are a few challenge matches against Offaly and college teams to prepare for the Walsh Cup.
Cold beginnings then with a few fleeting signs that potential can be reached when the nights grow longer.
At the very least Daly's utterances will keep us listening.
