UCC have too much in the tank

Champions UCC are within an hour of retaining their Fitzgibbon Cup title after a comprehensive defeat of UCD in sun-splashed Carnmore yesterday, a powerful second half enough to defeat Nicky English’s charges.

“No complaints, the better team won,” said the former Tipperary boss and All-Ireland winning captain, who himself had won five Fitzgibbon Cup medals during his time with UCC. “I thought we were doing very well even to be level at half-time. I was hoping then we still had a chance but we were under pressure again from the word ‘go’ and seemed to be second to every ball. We had a few injuries, Jack Guiney (young Wexford star) was a big loss, but we have no excuses, we were beaten by a better team.”

The sides were level at the break, 0-9 apiece, but it was a scoreline that flattered the Kilkenny-powered Dublin students (Cillian Buckley and Walter Walsh from the All-Ireland winning team both featured). With points from Cathal Kenny and Patrick Murphy they had taken an early two point lead, but with Cork star Conor Lehane causing all sorts of problems from his slot on the right wing, Brian Lawton on the other wing also on song, UCC soon overcame that deficit and by the 22nd minute had taken a five-point lead, 0-8 to 0-3.