MICHAEL O'GRADY will have been quite pleased at the manner in which his developmental county team overwhelmed the opposition at Glenalbyn where Kilmacud Crokes yesterday hosted the annual challenge between Dublin and the Blue Stars, sponsored by The Evening Herald and Irish Nationwide.

The Blue Stars, selected from the best performers in Dublin club hurling, had bagged a number of county regulars including the Kilkenny pair of Eamonn Morrissey and Jamesie Brennan. It made no difference as Dublin built a comfortable half time lead and extended it to a massive 22 point victory. Early goals by Morrissey and Mark McEntee had given the invitation team a good start but Dublin were beginning to pull in front when Conor McCann slipped through the Blue Stars defence for a 19th minute goal.

Two minutes later, however, Brennan's sideline cut was flicked on by Morrissey and drew a good save from Conor Cantwell before Gerry Ennis finished to the net. The performances of McCann and Brian McMahon were particularly heart warming for Dublin. They managed 3-10 between them and McCann was particularly dangerous, winning an abundance of possession on the right wing and taking some dazzling points before second half re arrangements subdued him.

McMahon's display was encouraging and if his second goal was a gift - a fumbled sideline ball - his first half effort was the result of skill and perseverance. His energetic roaming in the full forward line caused general consternation.

In defence, Liam Walsh, recovered from a severe injury last year, had a storming match at centre back where he imposed himself on the play and struck textbook ball up the field.