UCD 1-19
GMIT 1-9
Paul Keane reports from Belfield
DUBLIN’S JACK MCAFFREY continued his fine form with another thunderous display to help UCD into the semi-finals of the Sigerson Cup and set up a clash with DCU.
Stationed at centre-forward, the speedy Clontarf man ripped GMIT’s defence asunder early on as the hosts effectively wrapped up victory by half-time.
John Divilly’s side led by 1-11 to 1-2 at that stage and though McCaffrey only contributed 0-2 in that time, the man who hit 1-1 against Donegal in the Allianz League was the stand out performer.
GMIT simply couldn’t contain his blistering solo runs and he was also involved in Mark Hughes’ 14th minute goal which came after a fine passing move.
The result keeps star studded UCD on track for a first title since 1996 and they’ll go into the semi-final tie against Dublin rivals DCU as favourites.
But they will have to address yesterday’s final quarter fade out. Leading by 1-16 to 1-3 with 11 minutes left, they leaked six late points to take some gloss off the performance.
GMIT were always up against it after fielding without four key Corofin players who will instead play in the AIB All-Ireland club semi-finals this weekend.
Andy Glennon’s 17th minute goal, when he fisted in from close range, just about kept them in the contest.
But any hope of another big win over Dublin opposition having previously overcome DIT was shattered when UCD opened up that big third quarter advantage.
Aside from McCaffrey, Westmeath’s John Heslin was influential while Kildare forward Niall Kelly picked off four points from play.
Scorers for UCD: John Heslin 0-6 (0-4f), Niall Kelly 0-4, Mark Hughes 1-0, Jack McCaffrey, Ryan Basquel and Brian Fenton 0-2 each, Conor Sheridan, Stephen Kilcoyne and Sean O’Dea 0-1 each.
Scorers for GMIT: Andy Glennon 1-0, Niall Darby (0-1 pen) and Alan Meenaghan (0-3f) 0-3 each, Shane Mellett, Kevin Nally and Cian Donoghue 0-1 each.
UCD
1. Eoghan Keogh (Laois)
2. Ryan Wylie (Ballybay, Monaghan)
3. Davey Byrne (Naomh Olaf, Dublin)
4. Martin O Cathalain (Dublin)
5. Paraic Harnan (Moynalvey, Meath)
6. Conor Mulally (Cuala, Dublin)
21. Aran O Muruchu (Wicklow)
19. Conor Sheridan (Simonstown Gaels, Meath)
14. John Heslin (St Loman’s, Westmeath)
10. Brian Fenton (Raheny, Dublin)
12. Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf, Dublin)
15. Eoghan Nolan (Shelmaliers, Wexford)
13. Ryan Basquel (Ballyboden St-Enda’s, Dublin)
18. Mark Hughes (Emmet Óg Killoe, Longford)
11. Niall Kelly (Athy, Kildare)
Subs
28. Stephen Kilcoyne (Sligo) for O Cathalain (h/t)
20. Sean O’Dea (Kilteely/Dromkeen, Limerick) for Hughes (h/t)
22. Ciaran Lenehan (Skryne, Meath) for Sheridan (39)
7. Patrick Reilly (St Brides, Louth) for Nolan (39)
29. Edward O’Byrne (St Martin’s, Wexford) for McCaffrey (54)
23. Robert Carr (Newtown Blues, Louth) for Basquel (54)
GMIT
1. Conor Nolan (Milltown, Galway)
5. Shane O’Malley (Michael Glaveys, Roscommon)
3. Barry O’Farrell (Carrickedmond, Longford)
4. Darren Moran (Headford, Galway)
2. Eddie Egan (St Brigid’s, Roscommon)
7. Stephen Burke (Caherlistrane, Galway)
18. Cian Donoghue (St Brigid’s, Offaly)
6. Paddy Holloway (Castledaly, Westmeath)
8. Michael O’Brien (Carraroe, Galway)
12. Niall Darby (Rhode, Offaly)
14. Shane Mellett (Crossmolina, Mayo)
10. Fergal Durkan (Castlebar Mitchels, Mayo)
15. Kevin Nally (Caherlistrane, Galway)
11. Andy Glennon (Michael Glaveys, Roscommon)
13. Alan Meenaghan (Headford, Galway)
Subs
17. Martin Shaughnessy (Kilkerrin/Clonberne, Galway) for Glennon (40)
19. James Madden (Gowna, Cavan) for Mellett (49)
Referee: David Gough (Meath)
FFS Jack will ya slow down, it’s only February !