UCC aiming to avenge defeat

TWELVE months after last meeting at this juncture, UCC and Waterford IT cross paths in this afternoon’s Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final at the Clanna Gael Fontenoy GAA Club, Ringsend, in Dublin.

In their 2008 battle at Cork IT, a two-point win propelled WIT forward and they subsequently proceeded to win the competition. Both sides carry survivors from that day, nine of that UCC team in line to feature today and seven of the WIT side. Yet, for UCC, that result still rankles as they were in strong contention all through and manager Paul O’Connor is hoping that defeat will provide the motivation for today’s tussle.

“That game last year was there for the taking and it’s unfortunate we couldn’t do it. It’s a big motivation for us going into this game. It’s 11 years since we’ve won the competition, which is a long time for UCC, and we’re hopeful the weekend will go well.”