Donnelly on fire as UUJ send NUIM packing

AN ATTACKING masterclass by Tyrone full-forward Matthew Donnelly underpinned UUJ’s triumph over NUI Maynooth in yesterday’s first Sigerson Cup semi-final in Belfield.

The Trillick player was in sublime form as he shot five points from play over the hour. Indeed it was fitting that Donnelly should register the closing point of the game in the 62nd minute when he capped a run from deep in defence with an assured finish. The 2008 All-Ireland minor winner has yet to feature in the senior grade but on the evidence of this he’ll come into the frame as the season progresses.

UUJ were grateful to Donnelly’s excellent marksmanship as they were forced to cope with a ferocious challenge for honours by NUI Maynooth. The Kildare college had dumped UUJ out of last season’s Sigerson Cup at the last eight stage and they began this game in a fashion that hinted they were confident of repeating that. After the opening quarter they held a 0-5 to 0-2 lead and were full value for that position of supremacy.