Emma Duffy reports from Abbotstown

DCU and Mayo star Sarah Rowe hailed her side's outstanding character as they edged UL by the finest of margins (2-12 to 0-17) to be crowned Gourmet Food Parlour O'Connor Cup champions for the first time since 2011 - in a decider that will be remembered as 'the Aishling Moloney final.' 

"Ecstatic," Rowe, who finished with 1-3, smiled after. "I can't even describe it in words. I've been four years waiting for this.

"We dug in deep and it shows the character within the team. The management made the right decisions on the line. We had a bit of luck as well.

"There's serious character and a really good bond between the girls this year. Things have been tough for management with Peter Clarke, and that emotion stood to us in the end.

"We did it for him and we did it for each other."

Captain Moloney swung over a sensational late winner to settle a gripping tie in the dying seconds. 

The Tipperary ace finished with 0-7 to her name, while goals from Cavan's Aisling Sheridan and Rowe helped the Dublin college past the holders to victory.

Cork sharpshooter Eimear Scally bagged 0-11 at the other end, while Mayo pair Grace Kelly and Shauna Howley hit 0-3 apiece.

But ultimately, DCU did just enough to seal the win in a fiery affair.

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