Aaron O’Brien made history as part of the UL squad that captured the university’s first-ever Sigerson Cup title. Speaking after the final, Aaron said it still hasn’t fully sunk in, with the team “on cloud nine” and the celebrations continuing. Aaron also became the first from his club to win a Sigerson medal, describing the achievement as “an honour” and a proud moment for all involved, hoping it will be the first of many to follow.
Feb 12, 2026 | 7:52 am
UL are waking up this morning as Sigerson Cup champions for the first time in their history.
Mayo intercounty footballer Cian McHale scored 5 points, as they beat 24-time champions UCC by 0-17 to 1-11 in Croke Park last night.
https://www.midwestradio.ie/sports/ul-crowned-first-time-sigerson-champions/
University of Limerick 0-17
University College Cork 1-11
Eoin Horkan
Croke Park
It was a landmark evening for the University of Limerick as they claimed the Sigerson Cup for the first time in their history, bringing the famous trophy back to Shannonside after a thrilling decider at Croke Park.
UL made the ideal start under the lights at GAA HQ, settling quickly and moving into an early two-point lead. Ciarán Collins opened their account before Castlebar Mitchels’ Sean Morohan found his range to edge the Limerick side in front. However, their opponents responded in kind, with Kerry duo Cormac Dillon and Ruairí Murphy splitting the posts to draw matters level within minutes.
Undeterred, UL regained the initiative before the ten minute mark. Captain Brian McNamara led by example, surging forward from deep to restore his side’s advantage. Collins added another well-taken point, and tournament top scorer Cian McHale registered his first of the evening to extend the gap.
From there, UL began to exert real control. Cathal Ryan clipped over a fine effort, while Frank Irwin also got off the mark as the side from the Treaty city started to dominate possession and territory. The opposition struggled to cope with UL’s intensity, though Ciarán Santry eventually halted the momentum when he opened his tally to keep his side in touch.
The closing stages of the first half were played at a frantic pace. UL carved out promising goal opportunities through Irwin and McHale, but both efforts were snuffed out by determined defending. At the other end, a Michael McSweeny point was quickly cancelled out before Conall Dawson nudged UL ahead once more.
It appeared UL would carry a narrow lead into the interval, but there was late drama. A converted free from Conor Daly reduced the deficit before Santry struck for an opportunistic goal, pouncing at the perfect moment to rattle the net. In the blink of an eye, the sides were level at the break, setting up a gripping second half.
UL resumed with purpose. McHale, so often their go-to man, slotted over two early frees, while a sublime effort from Tom Cunningham kept the scoreboard ticking for the Leesiders Six minutes into the half, UL were a point to the good. Yet the contest continued to ebb and flow, with Daly once again demonstrating his accuracy to bring his side back on level terms.
Chances of major significance followed at both ends. Daly saw a goal-bound effort well saved, while Irwin broke through at the opposite end only to see his shot kept out at a comfortable height by the goalkeeper. The margins were fine, and neither side was willing to yield.
The sharpshooters continued to trade blows. McHale and Daly, the competition’s leading marksmen, swapped points in a captivating duel. The Moy Davitts man showcased his cultured left foot, adding two more superb scores to his tally as the tension inside Croke Park intensified.
With legs tiring in the final quarter, both management teams turned to their benches in search of fresh impetus. Kerry senior Cathal Brosnan edged his side in front, leaving just a goal between the teams as the clock ticked down.
UL, however, found another gear. Substitute Dáithí Hogan made an immediate impact, lively and direct in attack, doubling his personal tally after entering the fray. Ryan chipped in with another important point to steady UL’s challenge. Though the opposition responded with a forty-five from their goalkeeper and late scores from Dillon and substitute Olan Corcoran, UL held their nerve in the closing stages.
When the final whistle sounded, it sparked scenes of unbridled joy among the UL players and supporters. History had been made. The Sigerson Cup was heading to Limerick for the first time ever.
It was also a proud night from a Mayo perspective. No fewer than 11 Mayo players were included in the UL panel, with nine featuring on the panel Wednesdya night. Eoin McGreal and Cathal Keaveney were ruled out through injury, but their contributions throughout the campaign were equally valued.
UL;Tristan O’Callaghan;Tommy Walsh,Thomas Ross,Ben Dempsey;Paddy O’Driscoll,Sean Morohan(0-1),Charlie King;Brian McNamara(0-1),Ciaran Collins(0-2):Conall Dawson(0-1),Jack McCabe,Cathal Ryan(0-2);Cathal Brosnan(0-2),Cian McHale(0-5 2fs),Frank Irwin(0-1)
Subs Used:Thomas O'Donnell for Frank Irwin, DaithÍ Hogan(0-2) for Jack McCabe. Hugh O’Loughlin for Cathal Brosnan, Jack Melvin for Ben Dempsey, Cillian Cambell for Ciaran Collins
UCC:Austin Murphy(0-1 45);Dan Peet;Jacob O’Driscoll,Darragh O’Connor ;Liam Evans ,Colin Molloy,Chris Keneally;Michael McSweeney(0-1),Tom Cunningham(0-1);Ruairí Murphy(0-1),Emmet Daly,James Horgan;Cormac Dillon(0-2 1f),Conor Daly(0-3 2f),Ciaran Santry(1-1).
Subs Used:Donnacha Desmond for James Horgan. Thomas O’Mahony for Chris Keneally, Olan Corcoran(0-1) for Emmet Daly, David Buckley for Conor Daly, Gary Holland Micheal McSweeney
Referee:Brendan Cawley
https://www.mayonews.ie/news/gaa/2013862/match-report-joy-unconfined-as-ul-capture-sigerson-cup.html
University of Limerick 1-11
University College Cork 0-17
Eoin Horkan
Croke Park
It was a historic night for UL as they brought the Sigerson cup back down to Shannonside for the first time in their history
It was a perfect start to this final in GAA HQ for UL as they raced into an early two point lead as Ciaran Collins and Castlebar’s Sean Morohan found their range early on. The tie was level minutes later as the Kerry duo of Cormac Dillon and Ruairí Murphy slotted over.
The Limerick based school managed to pull away before the tenth minute with captain Brian McNamara driving through to grab the lead again. This was added two by Collins and then top scorer Cian McHale got his opening score of the night.
This is where UL started to dominate with more scores from the boot of Cathal Ryan before Ballina’s Frank Irwin got in on the act. The opposition finally managed to stem the tie as Ciaran Santry opened his account for the day.
The last ten minutes of the half produced goal chances for Irwin and Mchale but both were well defended by UCC. A Cathal Brosnan was canceled out down the far end this was before Conall Dawson split the post. This looked like the end of the scoring but Cork had other ideas as a Daly free followed by an opportunistic goal from Santry had the tie level at the break.
Two early UL frees from that man McHale in between a sublime
Tom Cunningham's score had them up by one six minutes into the half. It was the tale of the sharpshooters as Daly had the opposition level within a minute.
Both sides squandered goal chances in the opening few minutes as Emmet Daly’s effort was well kept out before Irwin broke through and his strike was saved at a comfortable height.
The tournament's top scorer’s McHale and Daly traded scores with the Moy Davitt’s man adding two more to his tally with that cultured left foot.
The final quarter saw both sides empty their benches as legs were beginning to show in the Croke park night. Another effort from Kerry senior Brosanan had a goal between the sides. Then UL substitute Daithí Hogan who was very lively when he came off the bench doubled his account alongside another Ryan effort. The opposition did manage a forty-five through the goal keeper before a final effort from Dillon and substitute Olan Corcoran.
UL brought home the Sigerson cup for the first time in their history with eleven Mayo players in the squad nine on the night as Eoin McGreal and Cathal Keavney were both omitted due to injuries.
UL;Tristan O’Callaghan;Tommy Walsh,Thomas Ross,Ben Dempsey;Paddy O’Driscoll,Sean Morohan(0-1),Charlie King;Brian McNamara(0-1),Ciaran Collins(0-2):Conall Dawson(0-1),Jack McCabe,Cathal Ryan(0-2);Cathal Brosnan(0-2),Cian McHale(0-5 2fs),Frank Irwin(0-1)
Subs Used:Thomas O'Donnell for Frank Irwin, DaithÍ Hogan(0-2) for Jack McCabe. Hugh O’Loughlin for Cathal Brosnan, Jack Melvin for Ben Dempsey, Cillian Cambell for Ciaran Collins
UCC:Austin Murphy(0-1 45);Dan Peet;Jacob O’Driscoll,Darragh O’Connor ;Liam Evans ,Colin Molloy,Chris Keneally;Michael McSweeney(0-1),Tom Cunningham(0-1);Ruairí Murphy(0-1),Emmet Daly,James Horgan;Cormac Dillon(0-2 1f),Conor Daly(0-3 2f),Ciaran Santry(1-1).
Subs Used:Donnacha Desmond for James Horgan. Thomas O’Mahony for Chris Keneally, Olan Corcoran(0-1) for Emmet Daly, David Buckley for Conor Daly, Gary Holland Micheal McSweeney
Referee:Brendan Cawley
Mary Immaculate College 2-21
Trinity College 3-19
Eoin Horkan
DCU Sports Ground
It was heartbreak for the ten Mayo players involved with Mary Immaculate College on Wednesday evening as Trinity College Dublin edged a dramatic encounter by the narrowest of margins after extra time.
Trinity made the ideal start. Ryan O’Dwyer settled early nerves when he converted a two-point free inside the opening two minutes. However, Mary I responded swiftly and were ahead before the tenth minute. Ciaran McCarthy split the posts twice, sandwiching a score from Daire Culligan, as the Limerick side began to find their rhythm.
Midway through the half Trinity hit a purple patch. A point from Padraig Boyle was followed by the game’s first goal when Tom McCarroll finished clinically to the net. O’Dwyer added another two-pointer to stretch their advantage. Mary I needed a response and it arrived through Dunmore’s Colm Costello, who flicked to the net to keep his side in touch.
That goal provided only brief respite. Con Smith and Ciaran Lennon added further scores to leave four between the sides with ten minutes remaining in the half. Trinity continued to press their advantage, with Darragh Dempsey and Lennon (two) keeping the scoreboard ticking over. A major blow followed close to the interval when wing-back Boyle struck for a goal, quickly supplemented by a Jack Burke point, to send Trinity in leading by ten at the break.
Facing a significant deficit, Mary I required something special in the second period — and they very nearly produced it. Mayo senior Bob Tuohy was introduced from the bench as they sought to inject fresh impetus. An early two-pointer from Costello was backed up by another McCarthy effort as Mary I began to chip away at the lead. Trinity steadied themselves through Lennon and O’Dwyer, but the momentum was beginning to shift.
Even with a quarter of the half gone and nine points separating the sides, Mary I refused to yield. Costello reduced the gap before Breaffy’s Aidan Cunningham produced a remarkable exhibition of long-range shooting. Cunningham arrowed over a succession of two-pointers to ignite the crowd in St Clare’s and breathe real belief into the Limerick college’s challenge.
Just when it seemed Mary I had seized control, Trinity answered through Dempsey and O’Dwyer to maintain their cushion. As normal time ticked towards its conclusion, Costello struck another two-pointer, sending the Treaty city supports into raptures and the game into extra time
The additional period began in difficult circumstances for Mary I, who were reduced to 14 players. Trinity capitalised, with Roscommon’s Lennon opening the scoring. Yet Mary I continued to battle bravely and Claremorris man Adam Beirne brought the sides level following a goalmouth with a fine controlled effort after he was sprung from the bench
With the numerical advantage, Trinity pressed forward. Ciaran Flanagan edged them ahead before captain Luke Casserly of Sligo struck a superb goal to give the Dubliners the initiative at the interval in extra time.
Back to a full complement for the second period, Mary I mounted one final push. Costello, enjoying a superb individual display, rifled home his second goal to level this enthralling final again/ However, that proved to be Mary I’s final score. A late point from Dempsey ultimately sealed a one-point victory for Trinity after a contest that had swung dramatically throughout.
While defeat was bitter, there were plenty of positives for the Mary I panel — particularly from a Mayo perspective. With ten Mayo players involved and only one set to depart ahead of next year’s Trench Cup campaign, the foundations remain strong. On this evidence, the future looks promising for this talented group despite the narrowest of losses.
There will be two trench cup medals heading to Mayo with Ballina’s David Feeney and Westport's Ciaran Murphy part of the extended panel for the Dublin College.
Mary Immaculate College;Shane O’Connell; Gavyn McManamon, Beirne Coen, David Slattery; Shane Cunningham,Daithí Kilcommins Fionnan O’Reilly; Conor Mulroy, Evan Cahill, Aidan Cunningham(0-6 3 2pt), Darren Keane, Sean Conneely; Ciaran McCarthy (0-3), D Culligan(0- 4 2pt 1m), Colm Costello (2-6 2 2pt)
Subs: Bob Tuohy (0-1) for D Keane, Adam Beirne (0-1) for S Conneely,Pearse Deane for A Cunningham, Jude Lavin for F O’Reilly, Ronan Heffernan for D Kilcommins
Trinity College;Sean O’Mullane;Luke Casserly,Tom Hughes,Michael McGrath;Padraig Boyle(1-1),Conor Leonard,Conal Cunningham;Ciaran Flanagan(0-1),Tom McCarroll(1-0);James Burke(0-1),Ryan O’Dywer(0-6 1 2pf),Rory McErlean;Darragh Dempsey(0-4),Con Smith(0-1),Ciaran Lennon(0-5 3fs).
Subs: Tynam Neville for R McErlean,Emmet Rogers for C Smith,Liam Fenton for T Neville,James McBreen for J Burke
Referee Conor Durneen
Mary Immaculate College 2-21
Trinity College 3-19
Eoin Horkan
DCU Sports Ground
It wasn't to be for the ten Mayo boys in the Mary I squad on Wednesday evening as the Dublin college ran out victors by the narrowest of margins in extra time.
The home county side got off to the perfect start as Ryan O'Dwyer kicked over a two point free inside two minutes. The Limerick side had managed to take the lead before the tenth minute mark as Ciaran McCarthy fired over twice in between an effort from Daire Culligan.
In the next ten minutes the Dublin based college hit a purple patch with a minor from Padriag Boyle before his teammate Tom McCarroll raised his sides first green flag of the day. This was followed up with another orange flag from O’Dwyer along. The tide turned again briefly when Dunmore’s Colm Costello flicked an effort into the net. This was a slight reprieve as two more white flags came from Con Smith and Ciaran Lennon putting four between the sides with ten left before the break.
The onslaught on the Mary I goal continued up until the break as Darragh Dempsey and a double from Lennon had there side well in control.With three left on the clock a goal from wing back Boyle added to by Jack Burke had the College ten up at the break.
The second half produced a comeback for the ages as Mayo senior Bob Tuohy was introduced off the Limericks sides bench An early orange flag from Costello was added to by that man McCarthy .A Lennon strike from the angle calmed the Dublin sides nerves alongside another O’Dwyer strike .
With a quarter of the half gone it looked like all hope was lost for Mary I as they were still nine points down. This was until a Costello effort had the gap down to eight before an exhibition of long range shooting resulted in a flurry of orange flags in a row all from the boot of Breaffy’s Aidan Cunnigham which sent the crowd in St Claire’s into raptures.
Just as it looked like Mary I had the momentum it was halted as Dempsey and O’Dwyer kept the scores ticking over the far side. The final minutes of normal time began to Costello as he fired over another two pointer before Lennon raised what looked like it was going to be the insurance score. The Dunmore man had other ideas as he slicked over yet another effort from range to send the game to extra time.
The extra time proved tough for the Mary I men as they started the half with fourteen players. It was Roscommon man Lennon who opened the scoring for the Dublin side. From the rustling play Claremorris man Adam Beirne had this pulsating final level.
With the man advantage Trinity pushed forward and a minor from Ciaran Flanagan before a splendid goal from captain and Sligo man Luke Casserly before the half time whistle
With the numbers level in the second period Costello who was on fire rattled the back of the net for a second. This goal unfortunately was the last score of the game for the Treaty men as a final insurance score from the boot of Dempsey ensured a one point victory for Trinity.
With ten Mayo lads in the Mary I panel and only losing one of these for next year's Trench cup campaign the future bodes well for these aspiring young men.
Two Trench Cup medals are set to make their way to Mayo, as Ballina’s David Feeney and Westport’s Ciaran Murphy were both members of the Dublin College extended panel.
Mary Immaculate College;Shane O’Connell; Gavyn McManamon, Beirne Coen, David Slattery; Shane Cunningham,Daithí Kilcommins Fionnan O’Reilly; Conor Mulroy, Evan Cahill, Aidan Cunningham(0-6 3 2pt), Darren Keane, Sean Conneely; Ciaran McCarthy (0-3), D Culligan(0- 4 2pt 1m), Colm Costello (2-6 2 2pt)
Subs: Bob Tuohy (0-1) for D Keane, Adam Beirne (0-1) for S Conneely,Pearse Deane for A Cunningham, Jude Lavin for F O’Reilly, Ronan Heffernan for D Kilcommins .
Trinity College;Sean O’Mullane;Luke Casserly,Tom Hughes,Michael McGrath;Padraig Boyle(1-1),Conor Leonard,Conal Cunningham;Ciaran Flanagan(0-1),Tom McCarroll(1-0);James Burke(0-1),Ryan O’Dywer(0-6 1 2pf),Rory McErlean;Darragh Dempsey(0-4),Con Smith(0-1),Ciaran Lennon(0-5 3fs).
Subs: Tynam Neville for R McErlean,Emmet Rogers for C Smith,Liam Fenton for T Neville,James McBreen for J Burke
Referee Conor Durneen
There was his history created this evening in Croke Park as UL claimed their first ever Sigerson Cup title after they defeated UCC. The Limerick based students claimed victory on a scoreline of 0-17 to 1-11. On the winning side, there were 12 Mayo players involved as Sean Morahan (Castlebar Mitchels), Conal Dawson (Westport), Frank Irwin (Ballina Stephenites) and Cian McHale (Moy Davitts) all started while Hugh O'Loughlin (Kilmaine) and Jack Melvin (Davitts) featured as substitutes.
Dylan O'Brien (Davitts), Colm McHale (Moy Davitts), Cathal Corless (Davitts), Diarmuid Coggins (Crossmolina), Cathal Keaveney (Parke) and Eoin McGreal (Garrymore) were also part of the victorious squad.
You can watch Ballina's Frank Irwin who caught up with Eoin Horkan after the match.
When Joe Collins speaks about his first days at Swansea City, there is no hint of overwhelm in his voice – just quiet determination and the kind of grounded perspective that has defined his journey from Kilcoole to the Championship.
Just days after signing for the Welsh club, the 18-year-old goalkeeper is already immersed in full-time academy life, far removed from the pitches of St Anthony’s where it all began. Yet, despite the distance, Wicklow remains at the heart of his story.
“I started around five years old with St Anthony’s in Kilcoole,” Collins recalls. “That’s where I really fell in love with football – and goalkeeping. Playing with your local mates, the lads you were in school with… that’s where the enjoyment came from.”
That enjoyment quickly turned into opportunity. By the age of eight, Collins had moved into the Dublin scene with Cabinteely, a shift prompted as much by circumstance as ambition. His older brother was already at the club, and when a goalkeeping spot opened up, Collins’ name was on the list.
“It was tough leaving St Anthony’s at that age,” he admits. “I didn’t really know if it was the right choice, but I knew the standard would be higher. My mom and dad were brilliant – they were happy to bring me up every day, and that made it possible.”
From Cabinteely, a short stint at St Joseph’s Boys followed before Collins linked up with Bray Wanderers at under-13 level. For a young Wicklow keeper, pulling on the Bray jersey carried a particular significance.
“Bray is the local League of Ireland club, so it was always a bit of a dream to play for them,” he says. “We trained in Enniskerry , so it was handy for my parents, and it was nice to be able to say, ‘I play for Bray.’”
Under goalkeeper coach Ronan McCarthy Collins’ development accelerated. Between under-13 and under-15 level, he says Bray was where he “really pushed on and started to get serious.”
Like many young players fast-tracked through elite pathways, Collins missed out on some traditional schoolboy milestones such as the Kennedy Cup. Instead, his formative experiences came in the League of Ireland environment and, briefly, with DDSL representative sides, including a Leinster win and an All-Ireland final appearance.
At 16, Collins made another significant move – this time to Bohemians. Several clubs were interested, but Bohs’ development plan stood out.
“I went straight into the under-19s, even though I was only 16,” he explains. “You’re playing against older, stronger lads, so you learn quickly about physicality and mental strength.”
One game still stands out above all others: a Leinster Senior Cup clash with Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
“We had a lot of our under-19s playing against their senior team, and we won 4–3. The place was packed – it was probably the best game I’ve played in.”
Balancing football with school was not always easy, particularly in fifth and sixth year when Bohs’ first team trained in the mornings.
“I missed a good bit of school,” he admits. “It was tough for me and my parents – especially when I was injured and they were still driving me to physio. I can’t thank them enough.”
With his Bohemians contract ending, Collins set his sights on England. Trials followed at a Championship club and a Category One Premier League academy, but Swansea ultimately felt right.
“It wasn’t just about the club – it was the people, the plan they had for me, and how welcoming everyone was. I really enjoyed my week there more than anywhere else.”
Now based in digs for his first few weeks, Collins is training full-time with Swansea’s under-21s and hopes to push toward first-team involvement in time.
“The difference is huge,” he says. “Even the under-18s and under-21s are basically full-time. There’s so much structure, planning, and detail that goes into every week.”
Despite being the only Irish player currently at the club, Collins is settling in well – and his ambitions remain firmly Irish as well as Welsh.
“I want to break into Swansea’s first team, but I also want to play for Ireland at senior level. Those are the main goals.”
Collins has already represented Ireland at under-15, 16, 17, and 18 level, picking up at least seven caps in one under-17 campaign alone. Missing out on the under-19s has only sharpened his focus on making the under-21s next.
For now, though, Wicklow can take pride in another local lad making his mark across the water – one who still remembers where it all began.
Best player you’ve played with?
Mason Melia. “We played together at Joey’s and Bray, and in a lot of national squads. I’ve known him since we were kids in Kilcoole.”
Best player you’ve played against (internationally)?
Rodrigo Moura (Portugal). “He really stood out when we played them in the Euros.”
Best player you’ve played against in Ireland?
Oike Arazi. “I’ve played against him from a young age – really a top player.”
Best manager you’ve had?
Trevor Crowley. “So much experience, really good for me.”
Best piece of advice from a manager?
“Nothing specific comes to mind straight away – I’d need time to think about that one!”
Advice for young goalkeepers?
“Enjoy it when you’re young. When you get older, make sure it’s really what you want – then give yourself no excuses and do the right things.”
Hopes for the next few years?
“To break into Swansea’s first team and play for Ireland’s senior team.”
Mayo and Moy Davitts footballer Cian McHale kicked 1-8 in University of Limerick's extra time victory over Queen’s University in the Sigerson Cup semi final.
UL were down by five points at the start of injury time, before a quick two pointer from Westport's Conal Dawson and a goal from Kerryman Cathal Brosnan forced extra-time.
Eventual full score: UL won 3-23 to Queen's University's 2-21 after extra time.
Watch Cian McHale speak after the match with Eoin Horkan.
University of Limerick 3-23
Queen's University 2-21
Abbotstown
Eoin Horkan
It was the Limerick side that managed to come out victorious in this enthralling Sigerson semi final led by Cian McHale one goal and eight points.
In what was a tight opening ten minutes played in tough conditions on the 4g in Abbostown it was Limerick who took early control with minors from Mchale and Frank Irwin which were canceled out by Ronan Cassidy down the far end.
The lead was extended by Cathal Ryan before Queens grabbed an early foothold with four scores on the trot from Cassidy, Joey Clarke,Ryan McQuillan and Conall Higgins. The last ten minutes belonged to UL as they broke away, Cian McHale's controlled effort flew into the back of the net before McQuillan slotted over for the opposition. The last five minutes belonged to the Moy Davitts man as he added a free, an effort from play and a two pointer on the half time whistle giving his side a four point lead at the interval.
The start of the second half was controlled by the Belfast side. They were led by wing forwards Luke Diamond and Conal Higgins along with Conor O’Neill and Cassidy.This had them up by the minimum twelve minutes into the half.Playing with the wind Irwin made full advantage splitting the posts with a two point free giving his side the lead. This began a period of dominance for his side as Tommy Walsh came up from croner back to finish into the net before McHale and Conal Dawson had the side six points up on the half way mark of the second period.
A fine effort from Donal Scullion stopped the Limerick sides onslaught and began the comeback before a double from Higgins alongside strikes in the the rain of the boot of Noah Grimes,Cassidy and Scullion doubling his tally.
With twelve minutes left on the clock Queens raised their first green flag when McQuillan finished into the net. This was added to by a long range strike through O’Neill raising an orange flag.
The Munster side were five points down with six to go pushed forward but it wasn't until the final two minutes they managed to trouble the scoreboard. With the goal blocked by the defence Westport's Conal Dawson stepped up to slice over a two pointer to leave a goal between the sides. Just as it looked like the game was over Cathal Brosnan had other ideas as he unleashed an outrageous effort which flew into the top corner sending the semi final into extra time.
Whatever was said to UL worked as McHale fired over before captain Brian McNamara drove forward to double the lead before Irwin and another McHale double had the gap out to five on the half time whistle.
This looked like it had put them out of reach but within two minutes of the restart a Cassidy two pointer and a second goal from McQuillan had the tie level again.The subs from UL made the impact that manager Damian Power wanted. They helped them pull away in the final six minutes as Ryan gave them the lead again before Castlebar’s Sean Morohan flew forward from centre back to double the lead. The subs then made the impact with scores from Michael Freaney,Ciaran Collins and David Buckley ensured their place in Croke Park for Wednesday evening.
UL:Tristan O’Callghan;Tommy Walsh(1-0),Thomas Ross,Ben Dempsey(0-1);Paddy O’Driscoll,Sean Morohan(0-1),Charlie King,Brian McNamara(0-1).Cathal Keavney;Conal Dawson(0-3),Jack McCabe,Cathal Ryan(0-2);Cathal Brosnan(1-0),Cian McHale(1-8),Frank Irwin(0-4).
Subs Used:Hugh O’Loughlin for Cathal Keavney,Daithí Hogan for Jack McCabe,Cillian Campbell for Ben Dempsey,,Jack Melvin for Paddy O’Driscoll,David Bucley for Cathal Brosnan(0-1),Ciaran Collins (0-1), for Frank Irwin,Michael Freaney(0-1) for Charlie King,Evan Looney for Hugh O’Loughlin
Queens:Aaron Lee;Joy Clarke (0-1),Mathew Ennis,Patrick McGurk;Ruairí Forbes,Conor O’Neill,Donal Scullion;Cathal Hynds,Anton Tohill;Conal Higgins(0-4),Ronan Cassidy (0-5),Luke Diamond(0-2),Noah Grimes (0-1),Michael Burnett,Ryan McQuillan (2-3).
Subs Used: Ruairí Callaghan for Michael Ennis,Luke McManus for Donal Scullion,Niall Duffy for Conall Higgins,
Referee: Conor Dourneen(Cavan)
Arklow Town 2
Avonmore 1
Travers Insurance Park
Eoin Horkan
A spectacular long-range screamer from Mark Fitzgerald proved the decisive moment as the home side edged a fiercely contested encounter in Arklow on Saturday evening, keeping all three points in the town after a rollercoaster affair that ebbed and flowed from first whistle to last.
On a crisp evening with a lively crowd lining the pitch, it was the visitors from Rathdrum who made the more purposeful start, immediately signalling their intent to play on the front foot. Avonmore pressed high, moved the ball with tempo, and looked dangerous whenever they attacked down the flanks.
Central to their early dominance was Mark Cullen, who gave the Arklow defence a torrid opening period. Inside the first ten minutes, he very nearly opened the scoring with a clever lob that looked destined for the top corner, only for home keeper Chris Earls to produce a vital intervention, scrambling back to block the effort at full stretch. It was an early reminder that this was not going to be a comfortable evening for the Town side.
Moments later, Cullen was again at the heart of the action when his goal-bound strike from close range appeared certain to break the deadlock. However, Brandon Donnelly showed excellent awareness and composure to clear the ball off the line, sparing his side’s blushes and keeping the game scoreless.
Despite being under the cosh, Arklow gradually began to find their footing and showed flashes of their own attacking threat. A quick break saw Joe Ledwith link up well in midfield before driving forward and unleashing a powerful strike that flashed narrowly wide of the post. It was a warning sign that the home side still possessed plenty of quality going forward.
Avonmore, however, refused to relinquish their grip on the game. Their slick passing and movement continued to stretch the Arklow backline, and they went close again when Cormac McGraynor let fly from a wide angle. His shot dipped late and had Earls scrambling once more, but it drifted just past the far post.
Their persistence was eventually rewarded just before the 25-minute mark. A dangerous delivery from Callum Pursey caused chaos in the Arklow box, and in the ensuing scramble the ball broke kindly to John Murphy, who reacted quickest to tap home from close range. The visitors’ pressure had finally paid off, and their lead was no more than they deserved.
Rather than deflate the home side, the goal seemed to galvanise them. Arklow began to assert themselves more in midfield, winning second balls and pushing higher up the pitch. With eight minutes remaining in the first half, they found their route back into the game.
A beautifully weighted through ball from Ledwith split the Avonmore defence, releasing Jack Kavanagh clean through on goal. Showing composure beyond his years, Kavanagh calmly rounded the goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the empty net to level the tie and send the home supporters into raptures.
The final chance of a frenetic first half fell again to Ledwith, who met a looping cross with a well-timed header. Unfortunately for Arklow, it lacked the power to trouble the keeper, who gathered comfortably, and the sides went in at the break deadlocked.
The second half began in dramatic fashion. Within seven minutes of the restart, the complexion of the game changed in stunning fashion. From an Arklow corner that was only partially cleared, the ball fell invitingly to Mark Fitzgerald some thirty yards from goal. Without hesitation, he unleashed a ferocious strike that arrowed into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. It was a goal of the highest quality and one that will be talked about in Arklow for some time.
To their credit, Avonmore did not fold. They continued to create openings, with Cody Reid proving a constant menace down the wing. His pace and direct running caused problems, though his best effort of the half ultimately flew wide of the target.
Cullen, who had been so influential in the first half, also had another golden opportunity to equalise, but despite getting himself into a promising position, he was unable to find the back of the net, much to the relief of the home defence.
As the clock ticked down, Arklow grew more assured in possession and began to take control of proceedings. The final ten minutes belonged largely to the home side, though they were not without drama.
In a bizarre and unforgettable moment, Jack Kavanagh found himself clean through once again after a clever through ball. He rounded the goalkeeper with ease, but in a rush of excitement and perhaps overconfidence, he blazed his effort over the bar. Frustrated with himself, he impulsively removed his shirt in disgust – a decision that earned him a yellow card from the referee.
Despite that flash of madness, Arklow showed maturity beyond their years in the closing stages. They kept the ball well, managed the game intelligently, and denied Avonmore any late opportunities to snatch a point.
When the final whistle blew, there was a palpable sense of relief and satisfaction among the home players and supporters alike. In a game where they had been second best for long spells, it was ultimately Mark Fitzgerald’s moment of brilliance that proved the difference.
Arklow Town:Chris Earls;Ben Long,Mark Fitzgerald,Brandon Donnelly,Davie Kiely;Joe Elliot,Danny Byrne,Kevin O’Regan,Sam Bulter;Joe Ledwith,Jack Kavanagh.
Subs Used:Jake Byrne for Joe Ledwith,Darragh Walker for Dave Kiely,Ben Currie for Jack Kavanagh,Joe Reid for Kevin O’Regan,Luke Gray for Danny Byrne.
Avonmore:Jordan Chandler;Ryan Delamere,Cody Reid,Alife Breslin,Bren Gahan,Cian O’Hanrahan,Callum Pursey,John Murphy,Cormac McGraynor,Alex Olohan,Mark Cullen.
Subs Used:Matty Boland for Alex Olohan,Caleb Fox for Cody Reid,Christian Kalrigke for Bren Gahan
Referee Mark Wynne.
