Mary I reach Fitzgibbon Cup final with impressive victory over SETU Waterford
MARY I-MPRESSIVE: Ronan Power of MICL in action against Jamie Harkin of SETU Waterford. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Having won back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017, Mary Immaculate College are through to the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final following an impressive victory over SETU Waterford in Mallow on Wednesday evening.
It will be a first final appearance in five years for Jamie Wall’s side when they take to the pitch in Abbeydorney on Saturday, after they led from pillar to post.
The only blip was a hamstring injury picked up by Clare’s Daithí Lohan just before half-time.
Having won the toss, they made wind advantage count. They got off to a great start and went 0-6 to 0-2 up after 20 minutes (they also had six wides at this period), one of these points from goalkeeper Jason Gillane who fired over from play from his own half-back line.
Once they got their passing game in motion, they gradually moved through the gears and a goal in the 25th minute from Shane Meehan following a brilliant move involving captain Colin O’Brien and Joe Caesar put them in the driving seat.
SETU Waterford only managed two points in the sixth and eighth minute - Reuben Halloran and Sean Walsh - credit here to the Mary I defenders who did their job to maximum effect.
At the half-way stage, the score was 1-9 to 0-2 - SETU Waterford’s cause not helped by Patrick Fitzgerald not returning for the second half.
At the three-quarter mark the score read 1-14 to 0-7 - the Limerick side, which is coached by Podge Collins - still in the ascendancy by 10 points.
Free-taker Halloran was the chief provider for SETU Waterford.
Fintan O’Connor’s side did, however, fight back in the fourth quarter with goals from Sean Walsh (52nd minute) and sub Billy Nolan (66th minute close-in free) to put a better look on the scoreboard.
In between, sub Diarmuid Cahill billowed the net for Mary I, their second green flag came after another fine move involving Shane O’Brien and Cathal Quinn.
SETU Waterford finished with 14 players after Pádraig Fitzgerald received a second yellow four minutes from time.
S Meehan (1-3), D Cahill (1-0), S O’Brien and D Ryan (frees) (0-3 each), C Quinn (0-2), J Gillane, PJ Fanning, J Caesar, R Power, C Hennessy, C O’Brien and F McDonagh (0-1 each).
R Halloran (0-7, 0-6 frees, 0-1 65), S Walsh (1-1), B Nolan (1-0 free), G Fives (0-2), P Fitzgerald (Kilrosssanty and T Barron (0-1 each).
J Gillane (Patrickswell, Limerick); A Hogan (Feakle, Clare), K Ryan (Upperchurch-Drombane, Tipperary), PJ Fanning (Mount Sion, Waterford); Diarmuid Ryan (Cratloe, Clare), C Hennessy (Nenagh Éire Óg, R Power (Ballygunner, Waterford); C Quinn (Cashel King Cormacs, Tipperary), D Lohan (Wolfe Tones Shannon, Clare); C O’Brien (Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels, Cork, Capt), D Ryan (Cashel King Cormacs, Tipperary), F McDonagh (Moycullen, Galway); J Caesar (Holycross-Ballycahill, Tipperary), Tipperary), S O’Brien (Kilmallock, Limerick), S Meehan (Banner, Clare).
V Harrington (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick) for D Lohan (31 inj), E Craddock (Holycross-Ballycahill, Tipperary) for F McDonagh (47), D Cahill (Corofin, Clare) for D Ryan (51), S Whelan (Cappamore, Limerick) for S Meehan (64), C Lloyd (Moyne-Templetuohy, Tipperary) for PJ Fanning (65).
(Waterford unless stated): B Hennessy (Kilmallock, Limerick); C King (Carrig Riverstown, Offaly), T Barron (Fourmilewater), B Power (Clonea); C Ryan (Roanmore), P Wicham (St Abbans, Adamstown, Wexford), G Cullinane (Passage); J Fitzgerald (Clashmore/Kinsalebeg), W Beresford (Abbeyside/Ballinacourty); G Fives (Cappoquin, Capt), R Hanley (Kilmallock, Limerick), R Halloran (De La Salle); S Walsh (Carrigtwohill, Cork), P Fitzgerald (Kilrossanty), P Fitzgerald (Ballygunner).
B Nolan (Roanmore) for P Fitzgerald (Ballygunner, ht inj), J Harkin (Bennettsbridge, Kilkenny) for R Hanley (48), W Halpin (Slieverue, Kilkenny) for P Wicham (52).
Ciarán O’Regan (Ballyhea, Cork).
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
