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)
