Davy Fitz gets the better of DJ Carey as Limerick IT knock IT Carlow out of the Fitzgibbon Cup

Limerick IT 1-15
IT Carlow 0-14

DAVY FITZGERALD’S COMPETITION hosts Limerick IT made it through to Fitzgibbon Cup finals weekend with a four-point victory over IT Carlow in a fiery quarter-final clash this afternoon.

Played out in dismal weather conditions, David Reidy was sublime for the home side, contributing 1-8 of his side’s total in a a fixture that saw both sides reduced to 14 men.

Limerick IT lost Alan Demspey to a straight red card in the 29th minute, for a wild swipe on IT Carlow’s Jack Fagan.

But the numbers were evened up two minutes later when Charles Dwyer suffered red card woe for the second time in four days.

The Laois player, sent off against Waterford last Saturday night, was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Seanie O’Brien.

LIT went on to lead by 1-9 to 0-5 at the break, with IT Carlow restricted to placed balls for all of their first half scores.

LIT manager Davy Fitz. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

LIT’s goal was supplied by Reidy in the 20th minute as the diminutive corner forward cut in from the right touchline before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Conor Clancy.

The second half saw LIT, playing against the breeze, cruise into an eight-point lead – 1-13 to 0-8 – before IT Carlow rallied with three unanswered points.

Reidy then contented himself with a point from a 46th minute penalty, before Ian Byrne saw his 55th minute penalty saved as IT Carlow desperately struggled for a way back into the game.

Ultimately, it was a case of job done for Fitzgerald and LIT, who will now face local rivals University of Limerick in the last four on Friday.

James Gannon, the man at the centre of the eligibility storm that dogged the competition over the past week, lined out at left corner back for IT Carlow, who were in transit when they discovered that the game was going ahead following Mary I’s failed appeal.

Scorers for Limerick IT: David Reidy 1-8 (0-5f, 0-1 65, 0-1 pen), Paul Flaherty 0-3, Barry O’Connell, Alan Dempsey, Seanie O’Brien & Joe Campion 0-1 each.

Scorers for IT Carlow: Kevin Kelly 0-8f, Conor Doughan 0-3 (2f, 1 65), Jack Fagan, Chris Bolger & Garry Keegan 0-1 each.

LIMERICK IT

1. Aaron Murphy (Hospital/Herberstown, Limerick)

2. Michael Kiely (Ballybrown, Limerick)
3. Niall O’Connor (Clare)
4. Kieran Bennett (Ballysaggart, Waterford)

5. Willie Ryan (Clonakenny, Tipperary)
6. Barry O’Connell (Kildimo/Pallaskenry, Limerick)
8. Stephen O’Halloran (Clarecastle, Clare)

12. Joe Campion (Borris/Kilcotton, Laois)
9. Alan Dempsey (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick)

7. Martin Fitzgerald (Ardclough, Kildare)
11. Seanie O’Brien (Patrickswell, Limerick)
10. Paul Flaherty (Abbeyknockmoy, Galway)

13. David Reidy (Éire Óg Ennis, Clare)
14. Paul Killeen (Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry, Galway)
15. David Dempsey (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick)

Subs:
22. Patrick Fitzgerald (Bodyke, Clare) for Martin Fitzgerald (37)
17. Mark Gennery (Newport, Tipperary) for David Dempsey (52)
21. Shane Mcgrath (Feakle, Clare) for Campion (54).

IT CARLOW

1. Conor Clancy (St Rynagh’s, Offaly)

2. Ciaran Doyle (Barrow Rangers, Kilkenny)
3. Michael Ryan (Fenagh, Carlow)
4. James Gannon (Ballyragget, Kilkenny)

5. Will Young (Clonaslee St Manman’s, Laois)
6. Conor Doughan (Shinrone, Offaly)
7. Dwayne Palmer (Camross, Laois)

8. Aidan Fogarty (Emeralds, Kilkenny)
9. Ian Byrne (Ferns St Aidans, Wexford)

10. Martin Kavanagh (Saint Mullins, Carlow)
11. Michael Harney (Bunmahon, Waterford)
12. Charles Dwyer (Ballinakill, Laois)

13. Jack Fagan (Rathmoylan, Meath)
14. Kevin Kelly (St Patrick’s, Kilkenny)
15. Chris Bolger (Clara, Kilkenny)

Subs:
17. Bill Staunton (Ballyragget, Kilkenny) for Palmer (h.t.)
21. James Doyle (Saint Mullins, Carlow) for Harney (42)
18. Kevin Hannifin (St Brendan’s, Kerry) for Ciaran Doyle (42)
26. Colin Dunford (Colligan, Waterford) for Kavanagh (48)
25. Garry Keegan (Celbridge, Kildare) for Kelly (54).

Referee: Alan Kelly (Galway)

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