Dooley shines as classy UL march on

UL’s aspirations of winning the Fitzgibbon Cup title remain intact, but only after they were forced to survive a stern examination from UCD in yesterday’s quarter-final.

After showing promising form to top Group D, UL’s prospects looked favourable and they also had the added benefit of home advantage. But they needed to work hard and hold their nerve, particularly in the second half, to deliver the right result. UCD did not succumb easily and, inspired by the wonderful contribution of Tipperary senior Noel McGrath, they were in the mix until the finish.

In the closing quarter UCD peppered the UL goalmouth with a series of searching balls from sidelines or long-range frees by McGrath. The aerial prowess of Liam Rushe and Walter Walsh offered hope they could generate scores, yet UL’s defence, led by Michael Walsh, Seamus Hickey and Brendan Bugler held firm.