THE tannoy blasted out Down By The Sally Gardens. Crumlin's Iveagh Gardens was looking splendid. A decent crowd, fine weather and a nice programme.

Gerry O'Sullivan on sound. And Brendan Cooper, CEO, had everyone under starter's order. Three championship finals at the cosy venue. St James Gaels the perfect hosts.

And everyone was pleased with the day's work. Particularly Mearnóg, who lifted the senior 'A' championship title for the first time. It was the first senior championship crown of any code to arrive in Portmarnock.

"We have been waiting for this day for a long, long time," declared their inspirational captain Catriona Power, who has been a pillar of the Dublin team for several years now.

Late on, when the pressure and the tension was at its height, Catriona, out on the left, made a crucial defensive clearance, sending the sliotar into yards and yards of space out on the right. Text-book stuff.

"Everybody was just fantastic," added Catriona, "and we'll be celebrating this victory for a good while to come.

"Our supporters were brilliant today and we have to thank our management team who put in such a huge effort."

And despite the elation, Catriona had soft words for Counsel. "I know they are heartbroken, but they'll be back."

The triumph banished the memory of the 2007 county final, when Mearnóg fell heavily to St Vincent's out at Naomh Barróg.

They are a much better side now, and they combined conviction and craft. Beating St Vincent's in the semi-final and Counsel in the final represents a fair measure of work.

Enhancing Mearnóg's achievement was the fact that the player of the match award went to Laura Twomey.

The opening contest saw St Oliver Plunkett's/ER defeat Clanna Gael Fontenoy by a point in the junior 'A' championship final, 1-8 to 1-7. Clans were going for the double. Claire McDonnell excelled for Plunkett's. She shook the net from a first-half free. Siobhan Joyce replied with a goal for the Ringsenders. There was a compelling finish. The Plunkett's rearguard and their keeper Estelle Murchan stopped the kitchen sink.

The second match on the schedule had the turnstiles spinning. The big local derby -- Good Counsel against Crumlin in the intermediate final. Counsel took it 2-4 to 1-2.

Amy Morgan's goal put Crumlin into the lead. But, after half-time, two goals in a minute proved crucial, Karina Carroll and Sarah Conway getting them.

Board notes

> County Finals day at St James Gaels, Iveagh Grounds was a tremendous success with an attendance of over 1,000. Sincere appreciation to all at St James Gaels for the wonderful support and for making the day such a success their excellent venue.

> Well done to Naomh Mearnóg on their historic first senior championship win and congratulations to Good Counsel for their part in the day.

Congrats to Good Counsel on winning the intermediate title and hard luck to Crumlin. Well done to St Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh on their junior success and commiserations to Clanna Gael Fontenoy.

> Appreciation to referees Tommy Hackett, Donal Ryan and Paul Beecher as well as officials Paul Flanagan, Aoife Maguire, Kevin Knew, Mark Ryan, Gary Ryan, Conor Dodd, Damien Noble, Ross Mulvany, Jenny Byrne, Dave Urquart and Rebecca Urquart.

> Congrats to Na Fianna on winning the Intermediate Shield final against Ballyboden St Endas and to Whitehall Colmcille on winning the Junior Shield

> In the senior B championship, Naomh Bríd, Ballinteer St Johns, Lucan Sarsfields and Skerries Harps are through to the Semi Finals.

> Dublin minors play Offaly in Leinster Championship on Saturday at 3.15 in Naomh Mearnóg - please support.

- Niall Scully