Late Walsh point gives MTU Cork share of spoils and quarter-final spot

MTU Cork go through on score difference after losing to SETU Waterford last week by two points, while DCU were defeated by SETU Waterford by eight points in this Group C.

Thu, 01 Feb, 2024 - 22:48

Therese O’Callaghan

Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup

MTU Cork 1-14

DCU Dóchas Éireann 0-17

Fourmilewater’s Seán Walsh rescued a share of the spoils for MTU Cork with his 64th minute point, a draw being enough to send John Mortell’s side to an away Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup quarter-final against University of Galway next week.

They go through on score difference after losing to SETU Waterford last week by two points, while DCU were defeated by SETU Waterford by eight points in this Group C.

Having done enough over the hour to progress, DCU were four up with 10 minutes remaining, 0-16 to 1-9.

Despite trailing since the 22nd minute, MTU battled gamely and five points - Mark Tobin, Ciarán Joyce (free), Brian Lynch (2 frees) and Walsh to DCU’s one - left the home crowd celebrating.

DCU’s talisman Joe Flanagan (0-11) kept his team in contention throughout, and his final free from out the field fell to Richie Lawlor but his effort from a tight angle tailed wide.

A Barry Kehoe goal edged MTU in front in the opening minute, and they were 1-4 to 0-5 ahead after the first quarter.

DCU responded well to the setback, and mainly through Flanagan they moved 0-11 to 1-5 in front at half-time.

MTU, too, had to overcome losing two defenders to injury with Eoghan Collins and Dara Mason both having to be replaced.

The visitors reaffirmed their superiority after the restart with a brace of points, but with Brian Lynch taking over the free-taking duties, MTU were just a point in arrears in the 40th minute, 1-9 to 0-13.

The next three scores went the way of DCU - centre-back Pádraig Moylan notching his second, and they appeared to be in control.

MTU had other ideas and staged a remarkable comeback.

Scorers for MTU Cork: B Lynch (0-7, 0-4 frees), B Kehoe (1-0), E Kenneally (0-2 frees), S Keoghan, C Joyce (free), S Walsh, J Mulcahy and M Tobin (0-1 each).

Scorers for DCU Dóchas Éireann: J Flanagan (0-11, 0-7 frees, 0-2 65s), P Moylan (0-2), J Barrett, P Langton, F Fitzpatrick and C Clancy (0-1 each).

MTU CORK: Cork unless stated: C Wilson (Newcestown); P O’Sullivan (Newtownshandrum), D Mason (Ballyhale Shamrocks, Kilkenny), S Keoghan (Graigue Ballycallan, Kilkenny); D O’Sullivan (Ballincollig), C Joyce (Castlemartyr), E Collins (Newcestown); R Walsh (Kilmoyley, Kerry), DJ Twomey (Courcey Rovers); B Kehoe (Kilsheelan Kilcash, Tipperary), S Quirke (Midleton), S Walsh (Fourmilewater, Waterford); J Mulcahy (Carrigtwohill), E Kenneally (Newcestown), B Lynch (Ballinhassig).

Subs: C Roche (Courcey Rovers) for E Collins (8 inj), R McCarthy (Carrigaline) for D Mason (20 inj), M Tobin (Mallow) for E Kenneally (36).

DCU DÓCHAS ÉIREANN: C Byrne (St Mary’s Rosslare, Wexford); D Kehoe (Cloughbawn, Wexford), N Murphy (Ferns St Aidan’s, Wexford), J Barrett (St Martin’s, Wexford); D Clerkin (Na Fianna, Dublin), P Moylan (Dicksboro, Kilkenny), P Langton (Young Irelands, Kilkenny); S Gallagher (Naomh Barróg, Dublin), S Bourke (Durrow, Offaly); J Flanagan (Naomh Barróg, Dublin), F Fitzpatrick (Mount Leinster Rangers, Carlow), B Reid (Glenmore, Kilkenny); P Clarke (Castletown Geoghegan, Westmeath), R Lawlor (Faythe Harriers, Wexford), C Clancy (Faythe Harriers, Wexford).

Subs: C Kehoe (St Mullins, Carlow) for P Clarke (49), C Brennan (Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny) for B Reid (54), J Carroll (Dicksboro, Kilkenny) for S Gallagher (63).

Referee: Johnny Murphy (Limerick).