UCC go extra to see off CIT in thriller

CORK senior hurling selector Ger Cunningham remains on course to manage UCC to a third successive All-Ireland Freshers (1) hurling title but his players had to withstand a fierce challenge from Cork IT before triumphing after extra-time in a thrilling quarter-final tie at the Mardyke yesterday afternoon.

UCC were grateful to Cork senior Conor Lehane, who struck 0-6 from play in normal-time as his last-gasp point secured them a draw at 1-15 to 2-12 and ensured extra-time.

In the additional periods UCC took over with last year’s Limerick minor Jack Aherne in flying form as he struck six points in extra-time to bring his overall to 0-9. Substitute Patrick Deasy was another to make a key contribution up front for UCC as they held on despite CIT’s John Corkery finding the net in the 75th minute.