UL 0-20
Dublin IT 0-14

Jackie Cahill reports from Parnells GAA club

BRIAN LOHAN’S CHAMPIONS University of Limerick got off to a winning start in Group C of the Fitzgibbon Cup this afternoon, coming from three points down at half-time to see off the challenge of Dublin IT.

Played in wintery conditions at Parnells GAA club in Coolock, UL took full advantage of the wind at their backs in the second half to claim a six-point win.

A host of first half wides hampered DIT’s cause and UL will have gladly taken a three-point deficit at the break, 0-7 to 0-10.

Westmeath’s Derek McNicholas was inspired for DIT all through, with Wexford’s Lee Chin also impressive in patches, but UL had the better overall spread of scorers to lay down an early marker in the competition.

Tipperary’s John McGrath pointed seven frees for the winners as Kevin O’Brien and Tommy Heffernan hit four points from play apiece.

UL's Jason Forde and DIT's Conor Sheehan were in opposition at Parnells. Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

UL played without Clare star Tony Kelly but were still too good for a DIT side managed by Toomevara’s Eoin Brislane.

DIT managed to open up a five-point advantage during the first half – 0-9 to 0-4 – but UL rallied before the break to remain in touch.

DIT will rue that first half profligacy as they ran up ten wides and now face a battle to emerge from a competitive group also containing NUI Galway and Mary Immaculate College.

John McGrath and Thomas Doyle challenge for a high ball Dan Sheridan / INPHO Dan Sheridan / INPHO / INPHO

Scorers for UL: John McGrath 0-7 (0-7f), Kevin O’Brien, Tommy Heffernan 0-4 each, Conor Martin 0-2, Jason Forde, Kevin Hehir, Barry Heffernan 0-1 each.

Scorers for DIT: Derek McNicholas 0-9 (3f, 1 65, 1 sl), Lee Chin 0-3, Jack Guiney (free) and Conor Sheehan 0-1 each.

UL

1. Paul Maher (Moyne-Templetouhy – Tipperary)

2. Sean Finn (Bruff – Limerick)
3. Jack Browne (Ballyea – Clare)
4. Stephen Roche (Leitrim-Killnadeema – Galway)

6. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patricks – Limerick)
10. Jason Forde (Silvermines – Tipperary)
7. Brian Stapleton (Templederry Kenyons – Tipperary)

5. Aidan McGuane (Kilmaley – Clare)
8. Kevin Hehir (Inagh-Kilnamona – Clare)

23. David Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona – Clare)
12. Conor Martin (Emeralds – Kilkenny)
11. Tom Morrissey (Ahane – Limerick)

14. Kevin O’Brien (Patrickswell – Limerick)
13. John McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney – Tipperary)
18. Tommy Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh – Tipperary)

Subs:
26. Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh – Limerick) for Roche (38)
24. Barry Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh) for McGuane (52)1
5. Cathal McInerney (Cratloe – Clare) for Fitzgerald (58)
17. Liam O’Sullivan (Knockaderry – Limerick) for O’Brien (60+2)

Dublin IT

1. Paddy McKenna (Clane – Kildare)

4. Conor Robinson (Ballyboden St Endas – Dublin)
3. Thomas Doyle (Lough Lene Gaels – Westmeath)
2. Sean McClelland (Lucan Sarsfields – Dublin)

17. Donal Guinan (Birr – Offaly)
6. Lee Chin (Faythe Harriers – Wexford)
7. Shane Barrett (Na Fianna – Na Fianna)

8. Glen Whelan (Ballinteer St Johns – Dublin)
9. Robbie Greville (Raharney – Westmeath)

12. Conor Sheehan (Cappagh Mor – Limerick)
11. Jack Guiney (Rathnure – Wexford)
10. Jude Sweeney (Kilmacud Crokes – Dublin)

13. AJ Murphy (Na Fianna – Dublin)
14. Derek McNicholas (Lough Lene Gaels – Westmeath)
15. Cian O’Donoghue (Tullogher-Rosbercon – Kilkenny)

Subs
27. John Henderson (Bray Emmetts – Wicklow) for Murphy (half-time)
19. Billy Kelly (FCJ Bunclody – Wexford) for Sweeney (50).

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