Fitzgibbon Cup Semi Final UL vs UCC Match Report

By Barry Duggan

UL 2-11

UCC 0-9

Traditionally UCC are strong contenders for the Fitzgibbon Cup, but in a windy and rain soaked pitch in Daingean, Galway, UL promptly ended UCC’s interest in this year’s colleges hurling competition. UL began the match like a cyclone and UCC never recovered to pose a serious challenge as the formbook was thrown out the window.

Goals were to decide this match and UL found the net to devastating effect in the opening 4 minutes. In an incredible start, David Forde kicked the ball to the back upon receiving Conor Fitzgerald’s lofty pass after only 15 seconds. Three minutes later Forde set up David Donohue for a low drive to the back of the Cork net to leave the Cork side stunned. Conor Fitzgerald scored UL’s first point after 7 minutes.

Michael Bevan’s was unlucky not to pull a goal back for UCC, but his shot came off the post to the relief of Timmy Houlihan after 7 minutes. Eamonn Collins scored UCC’s first point after 8 minutes. However, the Limerick forwards continued to set a blistering pace and further points from John Barron, David Forde, David Donohue and Conor Fitzgerald (2) saw UL lead by 2-7 to 0-2 after only 20 minutes. Collins and Cashman pulled 2 points back for UCC before the break.

UCC came out in a more determined fashion upon the resumption and whittled UL’s lead down to 5 points after minors from Bevans, Colin Morrissey, Collins (2) and Cashman. However UL remained defiant and resilient. A pointed free from Conor Fitzgerald and a splendid effort from substitute Eoghan Dunne saw UL out of sight. Dermot Gleeson and Donnacha Sheehan performed admirably for the Limerick students while UCC can be proud of the displays of Michael Bevans, Tom Kenny and Alan Kirwan.