Canning runs riot as LIT hand St Pat’s a lesson

The Davy Fitzgerald managed LIT booked a home quarter-final in the Fitzgibbon Cup after a landslide win over St Patrick’s in Limerick yesterday.

Playing into the stiff breeze, LIT stormed into a 2-12 to 0-5 half-time lead which made the second period a mere formality. Joe Canning, taken off midway through the second-half, was again the key man for LIT after contributing 1-9 of their tally, his goal a brilliantly taken effort five minutes before the interval.

He was flawless with his frees, putting over seven points from all angles and distances and he also had a couple of points from ‘65’s.

But it was far from a one man show as LIT completely outclassed St Patrick’s who lost by only four points to the reigning champions, University Of Limerick recently.

Points by Sean Collins, two frees by Canning, and Cathal McInerney had LIT four points in front before Canice Maher had the first point for St Patrick’s.

It was 0-7 to 0-2 when Canning struck the first goal, a brilliant strike off the ground to the left of goalkeeper Stephen Murphy, who a few minutes earlier had made two super saves to deny Canning and Cathal McInerney. However, McInerney was rewarded for an industrious performance with a goal.

LIT eased up late on and they paid a price with St Patrick’s getting in for two goals, both scored by Mark Bergin.

In defence, LIT had star performers in Richie McCarthy and Paidí O’Brien with plenty of support from Eamon Glynn.

LIT also lorded it at midfield, constantly setting up the chances for Eoin Ryan, Sean Collins and Cathal McInerney.

It could have been even more comprehensive, but for Stephen Murphy making those two superb first half saves for the Dublin college.

Scorers for LIT: J Canning 1-9 (0-7f, 0-2 ‘65’s), E Ryan 0-6 (2f), C McInerney 1-2, S O’Brien 0-3, S Collins, C O’Connell, S Lambert 0-2 each, J Hayes, P O’Brien, C Nelson 0-1 each.

Scorers for St Patrick’s: M Bergin 2-4 (1-2f), D Wright 1-0, N Arthur 0-3 (3f), I Duggan, C Maher 0-1 each.

LIT: A Fahy; E Glynn, R McCarthy, B Glynn; J Hayes, J O’Keeffe, P O’Brien; P Browne, S Lambert; S O’Brien, S Collins, E Ryan; C McInerney, J Canning, C O’Connell.

Subs: R Horan for S O’Brien (42), C Nelson for O’Keeffe (42), C Madden for O’Connell (44), M Duggan for Canning (45), J Guilfoyle for P Browne (52).

St Patrick’s: S Murphy; D Glynn, D Wafer, D Byrne; N Ring, M Quilty, I Duggan; L Ryan, P Kehoe; L French, M Bergin, T Breen; K Nimmo, C Maher, N Arthur.

Sub: D Wright for Arthur.

Referee: A Kelly, Galway.