Mighty Maynooth

For the first time since 1976, NUI Maynooth will feature in the Sigerson Cup final as the John Divilly’s outfit ended a luckless run of semi-final defeats at Dangan yesterday.

In the process they ended UCC’s aspirations of retaining the title, but the champions’ exit had a tinge of controversy to it. In the 36th minute UCC stared at an eight-point deficit, 2-8 to 1-3, but a heroic revival nearly saw them secure an improbable victory.

With just a minute left, UCC trailed 2-10 to 2-8 when substitute Mark Reen, who made an excellent contribution when introduced, flashed over what appeared a perfect point. But the umpire deemed otherwise and waved it wide, a decision that infuriated the UCC players and management.