Donegal manager Jim McGuinness led the 2012 All Stars to a 10-point victory over the 2011 All Stars, managed by former Dublin boss Pat Gilroy.
And it was a Mayo player – Cillian O’Connor – who inspired McGuinness’ team to victory, hitting three of his side’s goals.
The friendly was played in a great spirit and was hugely supported by many ex-pats from Donegal.
And because of a shortage of players, some of them got to play in the 13-a-side match at Gaelic Park.
In fact CJ Molloy – nephew of 1992 All Ireland winning captain Anthony Molloy – fielded for the 2012 All Star side and there was a broad smile across Jim McGuinness’s face when CJ scored his side’s eighth goal at the end.
Karl Lacey and Lee Keegan impressed at half-back, inspiring most of the 2012 All Stars forward play.
But Man of the Match went to Dubliner Michael Darragh Macauley who hit three of the 2011 team’s goals.
Donegal’s All Stars – including Kevin Cassidy on the 2011 team – then enjoyed a dinner hosted by the New York GAA board.
ALL STARS 2012: P Durcan (Donegal); K Higgins (Mayo), E Cadogan (Cork); A Thompson (Donegal), K Lacey (Donegal, 0-2), L Keegan (Mayo, 1-1); A Walsh (Cork, 0-1), N Gallagher (Donegal, 1-2); K McLoughlin (Mayo, 0-1, 45), D O’Connor (Cork, 2-2), P Kerrigan (Cork, 1-1); M Murphy (Donegal, 0-1), C O’Neill (Cork, 1-2).
Subs: CJ Molloy (New York, 1-0), D Lehane (New York), C O’Connor (Mayo, 1-4), N McGee (Donegal).
ALL STARS 2011: B Kealy (Kerry); M O Se (Kerry), J McMahon (Tyrone); T O Se (Kerry), K Nolan (Dublin), K Cassidy (Donegal); MD Macauley (Dublin, 3-1), M Foley (Kildare, 0-1); B Brosnan (Wexford, 0-2), B Brogan (Dublin, 2-1), K McManamon (Dublin, 1-2); D O’Dwyer (New York), R O’Carroll (Dublin, 1-0).
Subs: C Horgan (New York), A Dillon (Mayo, 1-0).
REFEREE : M Deegan (County Laois)
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