Three Limerick colleges make Fitzgibbon Cup semis after UL win

Brian Lohan's students hit 2-17 of their 2-19 tally from open play.

By Eoghan Cormican

UL 2-19 CIT 3-11

UL have made it three Limerick representatives out of four at the finals weekend of this year’s Fitzgibbon Cup.

The reigning champions secured safe passage this evening, overcoming hosts CIT with a powerful display of point-scoring to join LIT, Mary I and UCD in the semi-finals.

Brian Lohan's students, who were never led in this entertaining quarter-final contest, hit 2-17 of their 2-19 tally from open play.

Tom Morrissey (0-4), Conor Martin (0-4), John McGrath (0-6) and Kevin O'Brien (2-1) were the chief architects in the UL attack, while at the other end, opponents CIT were far too reliant on corner-forward Jamie Coughlan who finished with 2-4.

The visitors led 1-13 to 2-5 at the break and while a smashing Bill Cooper goal, added to points from Robbie Hanley and Ray Barry, brought them within one point of UL, they were unable to locate an equaliser.

Kevin O'Brien's second goal on 45 minutes provided UL with sufficient breathing space to see out the result.

Teams and Scorers

Scorers for UL: K O’Brien (2-1); J McGrath (0-6, 0-2 frees); T Morrissey, C Martin (0-4 each); J Forde (0-1 free), B Heffernan, K Hehir, B Stapleton (0-1 each).

Scorers for CIT: J Coughlan (2-4, 0-3 frees); B Cooper (1-1); R Barry (0-3, 0-2 frees); M Kearney (0-1 free), A Coffey, R Hanley (0-1 each).

UL: P Maher (Moyne Templetouhy, Tipperary); M Casey (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick), J Browne (Ballyea, Clare), A McGuane (Kilmaley, Clare); G Hegarty (S Patrick’s, Limerick), J Forde (Silvermines, Tipperary), B Stapleton (Templederry, Tipperary); K Hehir (Inagh-Kilnamona, Clare), B Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh, Tipperary); D Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona, Clare), C Martin (Emeralds, Kilkenny), J McGrath (Loughmore Castleiney, Tipperary); Tommy Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh, Tipperary), T Morrissey (Ahane, Limerick), K O’Brien (Patrickswell, Limerick).

Subs: C McInerney (Cratloe, Clare) for T Heffernan (40 mins), P Ryan (Doon, Limerick) for Hegarty (60), B Maher (Kilsheelan, Tipperary) for O’Brien (60)

CIT: G Minihane (Courcey Rovers, Cork); S Murphy (Blackrock, Cork), M Russell (Aghada, Cork), C Hammersley (Clonoulty Rossmore, Tipperary); R Barry (Lismore, Waterford), M Ellis (Millstreet, Cork), D Noonan (Glen Rovers, Cork); K O’Neill (Watergrasshill, Cork), B Cooper (Youghal, Cork); P White (Midleton, Cork), J Cronin (Lisgoold, Cork), A Coffey (Éire Óg Nenagh, Tipperary); J Coughlan (Newtownshandrum, Cork), N McNamara (Kilworth, Cork), M Kearney (Ballyduff, Waterford).

Subs: K Kavanagh (Carrigaline, Cork) for Noonan (17 mins), R Hanley (Kilmallock, Limerick) for O’Neill (25), J Cashman (Lisgoold, Cork) for McNamara (44).

Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary).