Kilmacud Crokes happy with blistering start as Dublin champs see off Kildare's Eadestown

The church steeple rose into a Chris de Burgh grey and lonely sky.

The neat rows of cottages on Davitt Street run alongside Glenisk O'Connor Park.

The stage for the AIB Leinster Ladies' Football Senior Championship final.

A Dublin duo were on duty. Dave McCabe was at the entrance, while Tony Lennon manned the programme booth.

In its pages, the Crokes captain, Emer Sweeney, named Sarah McCaffrey as her most difficult opponent.

On RTÉ's Saturday Sport, Sarah's Dad, Doctor Noel, was reflecting on the days when Kevin Heffernan was winning All-Ireland's with Dublin, and the county players played for their clubs in every league match.

The Bill Daly Cup rested on the podium. Ray McManus took a photo of it.

The good humour and help of Leinster PRO Aisling Clery was missed in the press box.

Aisling had a good excuse. She was getting married!

The Crokes' camp included a distinguished water bottle carrier - Jacqui Hurley of the Sunday Game.

The pre-match discussion was of the Cuala Dalkey Express to Newbridge the night before.

The marvellous job they have done on St Conleth's Park. And the mural that still raises a chuckle – 'Newbridge or Nowhere.'

You couldn't be in a better place than O'Connor Park. It has the warmest of welcomes.

Up in the press box, officials checked that the wi-fi was working for everyone. They came in with the team changes, and a repeated invitation for tea, sandwiches and cake.

The sound system relayed every word. Westmeath's Kathryn Nea sang the National Anthem.

An Eadestown supporter had brought along a teddy bear in the team's colours. A poster read: 'Go Eadestown.'

The captain of the Kildare champions, Gráinne Keneally, revealed that she'd like to meet Katie Taylor.

Attacking from the scoreboard end, Kilmacud delivered an early knock-out blow. They led 3-10 to 0-1 at half-time. And won by 4-14 to 0-3.

In the dampness, the ball might have carried an advert for Palmolive.

But Kilmacud looked like they had visited the local hardware store to put Velcro and glue on the gloves.

They moved the ball at pace. Their passing was precision itself.

And they turned their splendid approach work into pounds, shillings and pence.

But it wasn't only that. Deep in the second half, Anna Hynes raced down the wing.

At that stage, the result was long written in the turf. And coated in cement.

But Kate Murray sprinted after her as if she was running to catch the last 46A from the city.

As Emer Sweeney declared at the presentation: "We left everything out there. Right to the last whistle."

Crokes got in their blocks and tackles. And they swarmed around any opponent in possession.

"Our defending was rock solid," remarked Kilmacud manager Paddy O'Donoghue.

"During the week, we placed a big focus on getting a fast start, and, thankfully, we managed to do that.

"In the county final, we struggled for the first quarter of the game, and in other games too, so it was something that we were conscious of.

"We got off to a dream start. I think we had 2-2 after three minutes. And when you establish a seven or eight-point lead, it helps to give a team belief."

It was the third Leinster title in succession for the Dubliners and they will now meet Castleisland Desmonds in the All-Ireland Senior Championship semi-final.

The Kerry club beat Comeragh Rangers of Waterford in the Munster final at Mallow.

Like Crokes, Eadestown played till the last bell. As the Leinster President, Trina Murray, remarked: "I have no doubt you'll be up here on the podium someday."

The five-in-a-row Kildare champs certainly will, especially with leaders like Anne Marie Logue. The accomplished defender made some surging runs. And her brilliant interception early on foiled what could have been a goal.

The Eadestown midfielder, Siobhán O'Sullivan, produced a delightful moment. A clever dummy earned her a yard. She got off her shot which was deflected for a 45.

Eadestown full-forward, Abaigh Cahill, sparked a ripple of electricity when she got on the ball. Bobbing and weaving. Like Katie Taylor. Misha Magee clipped over a beauty.

But there was just no containing Crokes. There are three black-spots on the crossbars at the venue. The visitors didn't need a compass.

In their very first attack, Éabha Rutledge drilled the ball to the roof of the net.

Two minutes later, Michelle Davoren guided in the second goal. And it was Michelle who tucked in number three.

The second half had only breathed its first breath when Grace Kós added the fourth goal.

"We didn't score as much in the second half, but we still kept working away," reflected Paddy O'Donoghue.

As the players celebrated with the trophy, the loudspeakers blasted out 'Don't Stop Believin.'

Ray McManus walked out the gate. Pulling his trolley of cameras. Packed with a host of golden images for a Season of Sundays.

As he did so, the voice of another iconic Dubliner filled the Offaly air – the great Christy Dignam.