They will face tougher examinations during their efforts to retain the Sigerson Cup title but UCC made as positive and productive a start as possible in last night’s first-round tie in the Mardyke.

DESPITE fluffing three clear-cut goal chances over the hour, Leitrim still had a comfortable win over GMIT in an entertaining game at Strokestown’s new pitch.

FOUR goals from full-forward Danny Kirby propelled Mayo into the FBD League home final as they easily beat the students of GMIT in Ballinrobe yesterday.

LAST year’s finalists UCC endured a testing Sigerson Cup opener in the Mardyke yesterday afternoon before prevailing against GMIT and advancing to a repeat of last season’s final in the last eight against DCU.