Connolly the star as Dublin overcome UCD

Dublin 3-14 DCU 0-12

St. Vincent’s youngster Dermot Connolly was centre stage as Dublin won through to the O’Byrne Cup quarter-finals tonight.

The 20-year-old wing forward scored 1-5 (0-1f) as the Dubs easily saw off DCU in Ringsend. David ‘Dotsy’ O’Callaghan, who shot 1-4, was another player to impress.

Paul Caffrey’s men led 1-7 to 0-7 at the interval and the students’ challenge wilted when they had forwards Kevin Leahy and Conor Mortimer sent-off. Dublin full-back Ross McConnell was also dismissed.

Teed up by Kevin Bonner, Connolly drilled past DCU keeper Geoff Claffey for Dublin’s second goal and midfielder Declan O’Mahony notched the third.

Dublin: S Cluxton; S Prenderville, R McConnell, N O'Shea; D Murray (0-1), C Moran, G Brennan; D O'Mahony (1-1), D Magee (0-1); D Connolly (1-5, 0-1f), G Cullen, D Reilly; D O'Callaghan (1-4), K Bonner (0-1), G Burke.

Sub used: A Brogan (0-1) for Burke.

DCU: G Claffey; C Healy, B O'Reilly, N Cooper; D Sheridan, P Casey, M McNally; E Lennon, P Keenan (0-3); R Cullivan, S Johnson ((0-4), T Diamond; B Brogan (0-3), K Leahy (0-1), C Mortimer (0-1, 0-1f).

Referee: Joe Curley (Meath)