McMullen Cup

Good Counsel New Ross 34

Skerries Community College  22

Wicklow Rugby Club 

Eoin Horkan 

Good Counsel New Ross produced a strong all-round performance to overcome Skerries Community College 34–22 in an entertaining and at times tense encounter at Wicklow Rugby Club, with late drama ensuring the result was not secured until the closing stages.

Played in glorious Summer weather the New Ross made a fast start and quickly imposed themselves physically, with their forward pack laying a solid platform. Their early pressure paid off when No.12 James McDonald crossed for the first of his two tries, finishing off a well-worked move through midfield. Full-back Barry Furlong narrowly missed the opening conversion but soon made amends with a well-struck penalty to extend the lead.

Skerries responded with determination and showed glimpses of their attacking threat, but Good Counsel’s defensive organisation held firm. Tom Bolger at No.8 was particularly influential, carrying strongly and breaking tackles, and he powered over for his first try to give the New Ross side further control of the contest.

Despite a yellow card for Skerries midway through the first half, Good Counsel were unable to fully capitalise, although McDonald added his second try before the interval. Furlong, who endured a mixed day from the tee, missed another conversion attempt late in the half. Nevertheless, Good Counsel went into the break with a deserved eight point  lead.

The second half saw the south Wexford come out with renewed intensity. Furlong slotted a conversion early in the half after another well-constructed attack, and Bolger grabbed his second try of the game, underlining his dominance in the loose. At this stage, Good Counsel looked firmly in control.

However, momentum shifted in the 52nd minute when Good Counsel were reduced to 14 players following a yellow card. The opposition  took advantage of the extra space and began to build phases, applying sustained pressure on the New Ross defence. Although Furlong added another conversion during this period, he also saw an effort come back off the post, reflecting the fluctuating nature of the contest.

Winger Lee Whitty added what appeared to be a decisive try late in the game, finishing clinically in the corner after a sweeping backline move. Furlong converted one of his later attempts and also added another successful kick with ten minutes remaining, helping to stretch the lead.

Yet Skerries refused to fade and mounted a late surge, scoring two quick tries in the closing stages to make the game nervy for Ne Ross Their persistence was rewarded, and with Good Counsel also seeing a second player sent to the sin bin in the final minute, the pressure mounted.

In the end, however, Good Counsel held their composure to secure a deserved 34–22 victory. Their clinical finishing, particularly from McDonald and Bolger, along with Furlong’s contributions from the tee, proved decisive, while Skerries will take encouragement from their spirited late comeback.

Good Counsel: Philip Murphy,Tommy Byrne,Eoin Rice,Séan Brennan,Padraig Dunleavy;Fionn Kehoe,Mikey Kavanagh,Tom Bolger;Kealen Fahy,Sam Bolger;Sean Walsh,James McDonald,Harry Tritschler,Lee Whitty,Barry Furlong.

Subs Used:Kallen Byrne,Oisin Murphy,Nicholas Furness.

Skerries Community College:Rian Macken,Louis Staunton,Calum Farrely;Billy McCormack,James Staunton;Tom O’Connor,Adam Geran,Harvey Butler;James Walls,Joseph Kilbride;Charlie Hughes,Dylan Woods,Hugo May,Noah Downes, Louis Aoki

Subs Used:Robert Phelan,Darragh Russell,Aaron Kilty,JD Tattan.

Referee Aaron Gernon.

Wicklow vs Kilkenny Minor

 Wicklow 1-10

Kilkenny 0-2

SETU Carlow 

Eoin Horkan 

This young Wicklos side produced some scintillating  football from start to finish to bring the minor plate back to the Garden county.

It was  a dream start for Wicklow’s  captain Darragh Harper, he managed to put his side two points up early in this tie. The first a free from close range after an early breach from the opposition before he added a second from play minutes later.

Under the lights in Carlow the Cats managed to narrow the gap to the minimum when centre forward Aaron McCormack who finally managed to break through after three minutes of strong Wicklow defending.

Just before the quarter hour mark the lead was back to two when Rhys Behan drove down the wing before firing over from a narrow angle. Both sides were finding it very difficult to break down each other's defences for  the next seven minutes. This was until Roundwood’s Zach Kavanagh powered into the game. He first set up Harper to add another to his account for the night.Then Kavanagh himself  raised two white flags in quick succession from long range. This gave his side a five point lead going in at the break.

Once tie resumed it was KilKenny who struck first with a free from the boot of Ryan Lawlor.Within minutes this was cancelled out when corner back Ronan O Brien found himself in front of the goal to split the posts.

The next ten minutes turned into a stale mate as both back lines seemed to be getting the better of their opponents .This was until the aforementioned Kavanagh won a ball from the kick out before firing over his third of the night.

This score along with emptying the bench paved the way for Wicklow to tag on another couple of scores before the final whistle .

The first of this patch was from midfielder Emmet Harney, before substitute Aaaon Nolan made an immediate impact slotting over from the twenty-one.

It was clear at this point that Wicklow would be bringing the plate back home, just to ensure victory Harper found himself in the right place to bury a goal just before the final whistle.

Wicklow;Eoin Davis;Ronan O’Brien(0-1),Ruairí Fleming,Kalem Buckley;Noah Tyrell,Ben O’Leary,Rhys Behan(0-1);Emmet Harney(0-1),Will O’Connor;Zach Kavanagh (0-3),Kayden McMahon,Conor Cooney;Darragh Haper (1-3 1f),David McCormack,Daniel Connolly.

Subs Used:Aaron Nolan(0-1) for Kayden McMahon,Callum Farrell for David McCormack,Alex McKenna for Kalem Buckley,Tadhg Reardon for Daniel Connolly,Thomas Nolan for Eoin Davis,Aaron Seagrave for Rhys Behan,Finn Walsh for Conor Cooney.

Kilkenny:Andrew Donohue;Paddy McCarthy,Padraig Kavanagh,Cian Murphy;Cian Dalton,David Phelan,Rory Buckley;Kalem Buggy,Andrew Dillon;Jamie Dowling,Aaron McCormack(0-1),Eoin Maher;Hugh Beirne,Ryan Lawlor(0-1f),Finn Gillespie.

Subs Used:Jack O’Driscoll,Sean O’Driscoll,Dara Sweetman,Oisin Maher,Joseph Brennan,Luke Kealy, Joaquim Nolan.

Referee 

Lucy DF Sweden Piece

 For young goalkeeper Lucy Doyle-Farrington, the past couple of weeks have been a whirlwind, twelve days in Sweden representing her country with the Republic of Ireland women's national under-17 football team, gaining experience that will shape the next stage of her football journey.

The call-up was the latest step in a process that began months earlier. Lucy first came into the international setup through a series of training camps before progressing to friendly matches and eventually competitive qualifiers. Each stage brought new challenges, but also the chance to prove herself among the country’s most promising young players.

“It started off with a couple of training camps,” she explained. “Then it went into further friendlies and the first qualifier. After that we had another camp before the next qualifier where they announced the squad.”

That squad travelled to Sweden for a demanding round of fixtures. For the young goalkeeper  , it also meant the longest spell she had spent away from home with the international team.

Despite the excitement, nerves were inevitable.

“There were definitely a few nerves,” she admitted. “But sometimes you just have to use that to your advantage. I was buzzing to go into the camp. A lot of the same girls had been there from the start so we all kind of bounced off each other.”

That familiarity has helped create a strong atmosphere within the group. While competition for places is fierce — no one’s position is ever guaranteed.She said  the squad environment is one where every player supports the other.

“Any player that comes in is welcomed,” she said. “It’s up to you to stay there, but the girls are all so lovely. If you ever need anything you’re never by yourself.”

On the pitch, the tournament proved challenging. Ireland were unlucky not to take a win from the three matches, but the experience of competing at that level was invaluable for the squad’s development.

“There were results we would have liked,” Doyle-Farrington said, “but we went over and gave it a right go. When you look back on it, it’s the experience you take from it.”

One of the standout moments for the Wicklow goalkeeper came in the second match, where she was named Player of the Match after an impressive performance between the posts. Even so, her reaction reflected the team-first mentality she values.

“I didn’t think I’d be in the running,” she said. “It always comes back to the girls. You’re never going to win those awards without everyone around you supporting you.”

While she was delighted with the recognition, the result still mattered most.

“I was really happy, but at the same time I was gutted we didn’t get the result we wanted,” she said. “But there were so many learning curves from it.”

Among those lessons was the importance of enjoying the experience while carrying the responsibility of representing Ireland. She went on to explain how this particular camp helped her grow more comfortable within the group and embrace the moment.

“I kind of let myself be a part of it more — getting involved and everything,” she explained. “That’s something I’ll definitely carry on.”

Looking ahead, the focus is firmly on the future. With potentially two more years at under-17 level, Doyle-Farrington and her teammates are already targeting progress in the next round of qualifiers.

“We’re hoping to get out of Group B next year and get back into League A,” she said. “Everything we learned from this camp is something we can use the next time around.”

For Doyle-Farrington, the journey is still only beginning — but the pride of wearing the green jersey is already clear.

“Whether it goes your way or not,” she said, “you have to put pride into everything you do when you wear that jersey.”

The Arklow native is proudly sponsored by Bolands Arklow and J4K Midlands.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/the-future-is-in-safe-hands-with-wicklow-goalkeeper-lucy-doyle-farrington/a123573855.html

Shillelagh vs Ballywlatrim

 

Shillelagh United 7

Ballywaltrim B 1

Ballard Park 

Eoin Horkan

Flying Start Sets the Tone as United Seal Dramatic Victory

United made a blistering start in a game packed with goals and late drama, racing into an early lead inside the opening two minutes. Milo Quinn’s header crashed off the crossbar and Cian Lancaster was quickest to react, tapping home to give the hosts the perfect beginning.

The advantage was doubled within ten minutes when Donal Rawson was brought down in the box. Captain Quinn stepped up and confidently converted the penalty to put daylight between the sides.

Stunned by the early blows, the visitors gradually regained their composure and enjoyed a spell of possession. However, they struggled to make it count as the United defence, marshalled superbly by Lee Dagge and Darragh Rawson, stood firm under pressure.

Midway through the first half Donal Rawson came close to adding another when he controlled the ball neatly before unleashing a classy strike that rattled the post. The third goal did arrive on the half-hour mark. Quinn, who was causing constant problems for the opposition, delivered a superb cross which Rawson met to finally get his name on the scoresheet.

United continued to threaten down the flanks, with Jonathan Smith pushing forward from the wing, though his dangerous delivery was well dealt with by the visiting defence.

Just before the break the home side struck again. Quinn found space on the edge of the box and drilled a precise effort into the corner to give Shilllagh  a commanding lead at half-time.

The visitors emerged after the restart with renewed attacking intent and soon created a golden opportunity, only for the effort to be dramatically cleared off the line.

Chances began to flow at both ends as the tempo remained high in the south west Wicklow heat. Raswon looked certain to score when he broke through one-on-one with the keeper, but his shot was well saved. Moments later Ciaran Lambert curled an effort narrowly over the bar.

The Bray side  continued to push forward and carved out another opening, but Dagge reacted quickly, sweeping around behind his defensive line to gather and clear the danger.

The final fifteen minutes belonged firmly to United. Smith found himself perfectly placed to fire past the goalkeeper, and within two minutes the net was bulging again as Jason Cush produced a superb volley that flew past the keeper before he could react.

Despite the flurry of attacking play, United’s goal remained protected thanks to two outstanding saves from Thomas Rawson.

The closing moments produced one final burst of excitement. Cush slipped a pass through to Lambert who calmly finished. Straight from the restart Ryan Fitzpatrick launched an effort that soared through the air, struck the crossbar and bounced into the net.

The dramatic late strike sparked wild celebrations on the away bench as the final whistle brought a thrilling contest to a close.

Shillelagh United:Thomas Raswon,Jonathan Smith,Cian Lancaster;Lee Dagge,Darragh Rawson,Ciaran Lambert,Milo Quinn,Thomas Kelly,Donal Rawson,Conall Butler,Jason Cush.

Subs Used:Dean Carthy for Darragh Raswon,Oscar Judge for Cian Lancaster,Cian Doyle for Thomas Kelly. 

Ballywaltrim B;Sergiu Lubes,Duncan Bradley,Nathan O’Connor,Aaron Clancy,Cian Kinlan,Mark Byrne,Dylan O’Hagan,Jamie O’Brien,Joe Vickors,Des Traynor,Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Subs Used:Cian Ebbs for Jamie O’Brien.

Referee:Joe Byrne.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/soccer/flying-start-sets-tone-as-shillelagh-united-seal-comfortable-victory-over-ballywaltrim/a1437538960.html

St Anthony's vs Wicklow Rovers

 St Anthonys 7

Wicklow Rovers 1

Finn Park 

Eoin Horkan

St Anthony’s made a blistering start to this encounter, racing into the lead with their very first attack. Cian Davis set the tone when he tried his luck from distance and his powerful effort flew all the way to the net, leaving the visiting goalkeeper with no chance.

The opening ten minutes were dominated by the home side, who used the benefit of a strong breeze to pin Rovers deep inside their own half. St Anthony’s carved out three further opportunities during that spell but were unable to capitalise, with Dan Lacey and Callum Jones both going close without adding to the advantage.

The pressure soon told again. Just after the ten-minute mark, Anto's goalkeeper launched a long delivery towards the opposition penalty area. Under pressure, Rovers centre-back Mark Whelan could only divert the ball past his own keeper and into the net, compounding his side’s difficult start.

Two minutes later, the home side struck for a third time. Davis was again at the heart of the move, sliding a precise pass into the path of Lacey, who kept his composure to slot home confidently. With momentum fully on their side, St Anthony’s were rampant and showed no sign of easing off.

Their fourth goal arrived before the 20-minute mark. Midfielder Matthew Kennedy split the defence with a well-weighted through ball that sent Lacey clear, and he made no mistake in finishing beyond the advancing Neville. At that stage, it was a commanding display from the Kilcoole outfit, who were clinical and relentless in attack.

To their credit, Rovers gradually began to steady the ship after the whirlwind opening. They came close to getting on the scoresheet when Evan Conyard unleashed a strike that looked destined for goal, only for a brave and timely block to deny him.

The visitors did eventually find a breakthrough. From a Lorcan Sinnott corner, Robbie Dolan rose highest in a crowded penalty area to power a header to the net, giving his side a much-needed lift and reducing the deficit.

However, St Anthony’s responded before the interval to restore their dominance. With ten minutes remaining in the half, Kennedy drove forward with intent and the ball eventually broke to Davis on the edge of the area. The forward showed great composure to guide a tidy finish beyond Neville, claiming his second of the afternoon and ensuring the home side went in at the break firmly in control.

The second half proved to be a far tighter and more competitive affair. Rovers made a series of positional adjustments, including moving Alex Sinnott from midfield into the centre of defence, a switch that helped shore things up at the back. The visitors were far more organised and restricted St Anthony’s to fewer clear-cut chances for long periods.

At the other end, the Sinnott  cousins began to exert greater influence. Lorcan was a constant threat  either down the wing or up front  while substitute NJ Sinnott injected fresh energy into the attack. NJ produced an excellent surging run that earned a free-kick on the edge of the box, though the resulting effort was sent over the crossbar.

As the half progressed and legs began to tire, both managers turned to their benches in search of fresh impetus. One of those changes paid immediate dividends in spectacular fashion. Substitute Callum Davis produced what was arguably the goal of the game, expertly controlling the ball on the edge of the area before unleashing a superb volley that rocketed into the net and extended his side’s lead in style.

The scoring was completed late on when Michael Gray tried his luck with a volley that took a decisive deflection, looping up and over the stranded goalkeeper before dropping into the far corner. It was a fittingly dramatic finish to a game that had burst into life from the opening whistle.

Despite the scoreline, credit must go to Wicklow goalkeeper Neville in the closing stages. In the final ten minutes he produced a couple of outstanding saves to deny further goals and prevent the margin from becoming even more emphatic.

St Anthony’s:Jesus Veron;Emmet Kenna,Lorcan Kenna,Milley Counihan,Graham McCormack,Matthew Kennedy,Callum Jones,Blake Ryan,Dan Lacey,Kevin O’Connor,Cian Davis.

Subs Used:Louis Thomas for Lorcan Kenna,Callum Davis for Callum Jones,Javi Hernandez for Graham McCormack,Conor Clark for Blake Ryan,Michael Gray for Cian Davis

Wicklow Rovers:Jack Neville,James Fagan, Chris Muies,Mark Whelan,David Butler,Shane Devlin ,Nathan O’Sullivan,Alex Sinnott,Lorcan Sinnott,Robbie Dolan,Evan Conyard.

Subs Used:NJ Sinnott for James Fagan,Trevor Conyard for Evan Conyard

Referee:Carl Doyle

Aaron O'Brien (WP)

 

History was made under the lights of Croke Park as the University of Limerick claimed their first ever Sigerson Cup title – and at the heart of it all was AGB clubman Aaron O’Brien proudly flying the Wicklow flag.

For decades, UL have been knocking on the door in the blue riband of third-level Gaelic football. This time, they kicked it down. In the cavernous surroundings of GAA headquarters, the Limerick-based college delivered a composed, driven performance to finally etch their name onto the famous trophy.

Moments after the final whistle, while teammates embraced and celebrations sparked into life, O’Brien had only one thing on his mind.

“The first thing I did after the final was grab my Wicklow flag out of the gear bag and tie it around my waist,” he smiled.

As the only Wicklow man on the UL panel, it was a moment of immense personal pride. In a squad stacked with inter-county talent from across Ireland, O’Brien carried the Garden County banner alone — but never without support.

“There were probably 10 or 20 people in the stands from Wicklow,” he said. “It’s nice to have that pull and representation. I know it’s Limerick, it’s a good bit away, but it shows that we can get it done.”

Playing in Croke Park is the dream of every young footballer. While the Sigerson final did not have the roar of 83,000 behind it, the occasion was no less special.

“They compare it to being like a cauldron there on a full house day,” O’Brien reflected. “But it’s a bit eerie when it’s empty. The pitch feels even wider. Even warming up on it, you just get a sense that it is a special place. Under the lights, it’s surreal.”

For UL, this victory did not come by chance. Built on years of development, elite preparation and the recruitment of top inter-county footballers, they now sit at the summit of the college game.

O’Brien, only in his second year at the University of Limerick, has already seen the standard required.

“It’s brilliant down there. We’d give most inter-county teams a rattle, if not more. The lads I’m playing with are fantastic,” he said.

Exposure to a variety of coaching styles has sharpened his game considerably.

“You’re getting coaches from different counties — different styles of coaching and play. I’m picking up little bits from all of them. Even the lads I’m friends with are giving me small bits of info. The standards are driven so high, and I’m trying to take that back into everything I do.”

With only a handful of players departing the panel, UL’s triumph may not be a once-off. The core of the squad remains intact, and competition for places is fierce.

“It’s not a case that I’ll get onto the team straight away next year either,” O’Brien admitted. “It’s such a tough team to get into. But if we’ve won it this year with this group, hopefully we can drive it on again.”

There is optimism, too, closer to home. With Wicklow preparing to attack Division 4 and the Tailteann Cup campaign, O’Brien believes brighter days lie ahead.

“Hopefully it’s all going to start falling into place. Stay hard working. There’s something promising coming.”

On a historic night for UL, as medals were lifted and history written, a Wicklow flag fluttered proudly around the waist of one young man. For AGB and for Wicklow football, that image may prove just as significant as the result itself.

https://www.independent.ie/regionals/wicklow/sport/gaa/aaron-obrien-flies-wicklow-flag-after-uls-historic-sigerson-cup-win/a1522563553.html

Aaron O'Brien (AGB)

 

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.

Sean Morohan Reaction UL

 

UL crowned first-time Sigerson champions

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/

Sigerson Cup UL vs UCC (MN)

 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

Sigerson UL vs UCC (CT)

 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