UCC reach Fitzgibbon cup final

UCC 0-19 Limerick IT 1-11

Despite missing the services of former Kilkenny minor captain Michael Rice, UCC came good with a 0-19 to 1-11 win over Limerick IT in the Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final this afternoon in Athlone.

The John Considine-coached side led 0-9 to 1-5 at the break at the AIT grounds, with Limerick’s goal coming late in the half, drilled home superbly by Tipperary’s double All-star Eoin Kelly.

Kilkenny forward James ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, Tipp’s Mark O’Leary (0-4) and Noel Moloney (0-2) all pointed well in the second half, with Cork seniors Tom Kenny and Eamonn Collins striking a point a-piece.

Fitzpatrick, who made his first league start for the All-Ireland champions recently, hit a superb tally of 0-8 to guide his side home.

UCC last won the title back in 1998, completing a hat trick of successes.

Waterford IT, another recent stronghold of Fitzgibbon glory with five triumphs over the last 11 years, will defend their title against UCC tomorrow, having come through their semi-final, 2-9 to 0-13 winners over UCD.

Goals from Wexford senior Rory Jacob and Kilkenny corner forward John Phelan saw the 2003 champions through for a shot at a sixth ever Cup success.

The Datapac Ryan Cup final will be contested by St Pat’s College of Further Education and Cork College of Further Education, with Drumcondra-based Pat’s the easier winners this afternoon, defeating Tipperary Institute 2-17 to 0-7 in their semi final.