Nicola Ward claims bragging rights over twin sister

It was quite an afternoon for Galway’s Nicola Ward as UCD claimed their first O’Connor Cup success since 2006 on Saturday.

Ward scored the only goal as UCD held out for a 1-7 to 0-9 victory over University of Limerick, who were denied a third successive crown in Tralee. Ward lined up against her twin sister Louise, who was in the colours of UL, and claimed family bragging rights as the UCD’s women’s team added to the recent Sigerson Cup collected by the men.

Kate O’Sullivan scored the opening point for UCD but the first half was low-scoring and the teams went in level at the break, 0-2 apiece.

The second half began in blistering fashion as Ward found the net from distance in the 35th minute.

It was a slightly fortuitous effort but set UCD on the road to an historic success – their first in this competition in a decade.

Roisin Curran, Niamh Collins and Emma Guckian added points as UCD, appearing in their first final since that 2006 win, steamed into a 1-7 to 0-3 lead.

1-7 to 0-3 clear, this one looked done and dusted but UL scored the remaining six points of the game to ensure a nervy finish for the new champions.

There was some consolation for UL as they claimed the Lynch Cup with a 3-10 to 1-7 victory over DIT.

And the Giles Cup went to St Pat’s Drumcondra, who saw off Mary Immaculate College with just a single point to spare, 0-12 to 1-8.