Garda College Templemore advanced to the semi-finals of the Fitzgibbon Cup after defeating University of Limerick in a highly entertaining quarter-final. While the game never quite reached the standards of hurling expected from these two sides, few would disagree with the excitement and entertainment value, particularly in the closing stages. This reached a crescendo in the final minute when UL, three points adrift were awarded a penalty. Jimmy Coogan stepped up to take the shot knowing a goal would have earned his side extra time. However his shot was well saved and cleared off the line by Clare star Ollie Baker. Shortly after, the final whistle sounded to the jubilant ears of the Garda following. The Garda college had opened the game in fine style with a pointed line ball from Baker, a feat he repeated later on in the half. The sides were level on four occasions during the opening half. The Garda edged ahead towards the interval and earned a two point lead at the break, 0-7 to 0-5. The second half ended in controversy when referee Seanie McMahon dismissed Ken O’Shea and Garda’s Niall O’Donnell following a minor scuffle. Indeed McMahon’s general handling of the game was inconsistent. Two points down and aided with a strong breeze UL had every reason to be confident, entering the second period.. The Garda opened the second half in devastating fashion with a goal and point from Niall Moloney. The goal which ultimately decided the issue, rocked the hosts who now found themselves six points in arrears. The Garda had received the tonic they needed. From here on every score was hard fought. UL had plenty of possession to put the game beyond doubt but were guilty of some terrible wides. However a lot of these can be attributed to the pressure from the Gardai in particular centre back, Stephen Hogan. For the devastated losers, who entered this competition with high hopes, given the talent available, John Foley, Marty Phelan, John Cormican, David Forde and Rory McCarthy did best. UL will certainly rue some of their second half wides as they certainly had the chances to finish the game well before Coogan’s penalty. However, overall, the Garda College got their tactics right and allied with strong performances from Stephen Hogan, Damian McCormack, Damian Cleere, Niall Moloney and a towering second half from Ollie Baker, were the deserving victors before the largest crowd ever seen at a fixture in the University of Limerick.

Scorers: Garda: N. Moloney 1-1; D. Cleere 0-4 (0-3 frees); O.

Baker 0-2 (sideline); S. Hogan and A. Flanagan 0-1 each.

UL: J. Coogan 0-5 (0-4 frees); B. Coleman, R. McCarthy, D. Forde

and F. Healy 0-1 each.

UL: Damian Garrihy (Clare), Eoin O Sullivan (Waterford), Michael Healy (Galway), Donal Murphy (Cork), Enda Flannery (Clare), Marty Phelan (Kilkenny), John Foley (Limerick), John Cormican Limerick), David Forde(Clare), Rory McCarthy (Wexford), Brendan Coleman(Cork), Rory Gantley (Galway), Fergal Healy( Galway), Jimmy Coogan (Kilkenny), Ken O’ Shea (Kilkenny).

Subs: Subs: B. O'Driscoll(Cork) for Cormican (36th minute); E. Sheedy (Clare) for Coleman (50th); C. O'Doherty (Galway) for Murphy (56th).

Referee: S. McMahon (Clare).

GARDA: C. Jordan;; N. O'Donnell, D. McCormack, B. O'Dwyer

(capt.); N. Nash, S. Hogan, K. Long; O. Baker, T. Kavanagh; D.

Cleere, R. O'Hara, D. Byrne; J. Smiddy, J. Flanagan, A. Flanagan.

Subs: N. Moloney for J. Flanagan (half-time); S. Maher for Smiddy

(50th minute); T. Kennedy for Nash (58th).