UCC through to Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final after tetchy derby victory over MTU Cork

UCC will have a fortnight break until the semi-finals while MTU Cork will play in next week's quarter-finals. 

INJURY WOE: Ben Cunningham hit 12 points for UCC against MTU Cork, but left the Fitzgibbon Cup game with 10 minutes to play clutching his right hamstring. Pic: Dan Linehan

Fitzgibbon Cup: UCC 0-23 MTU Cork 0-20 

A tetchy and needly local derby. A local derby, however, that did not have the full complement of local talent on view. That places the smallest of asterisks over the final outcome. The final outcome, of course, was without jeopardy.

Both Cork colleges went into this final round of group fare knowing their respective place in the knockout phase was assured. What was on offer was direct progress to the last four.

MTU Cork haven’t been to the last four of the Fitzgibbon Cup in 10 years. That gap remains outstanding. Defeat has them in the bowl for next week’s quarter-finals. Neighbours UCC, meanwhile, are one hour from a first final appearance in five years.

A fine crowd turned out for this fixture. The main stand was full 20 minutes before throw-in, the streams still coming down the hill instructed to take up residence on the far side. The locals came to see Cork hurling colleagues collide. They were left disappointed on that front.

Ciarán Joyce and Alan Connolly were on water duty for MTU. Ethan Twomey was stood further up amongst the UCC replacements. Saturday's league visit of Limerick would appear to be their sole focus this week. Also absent for the University was Eoin Downey, albeit the All-Star full-back has yet to play Fitzgibbon this month because of injury.

The latest Cork injury setback is the hamstring woe suffered by Ben Cunningham with 10 minutes remaining here. After a fine dispossessing flick by MTU Cork wing-back Sam Fitzgerald, Cunningham crashed to the surface. He immediately signaled to the line that his evening was done. Clutching his right hamstring, he had to be helped from the field.

The All-Ireland U20 winner from two years ago was once again UCC’s chief marksman. He clipped 10 from the placed-ball and a pair from play. His standout score was a converted free from way back on his own 45-metre line that he himself won. It came part of a third quarter where the visitors put a halt to the creeping advances of the hosts.

Twice having trailed by five in the second quarter, MTU Cork were within one, 0-12 to 0-11, at the break. A Jack Cahalane free one minute after the restart brought them level for the first time since the 11th minute. It was to be the third and last time the sides were deadlocked.

UCC half-back Michael Mullaney stormed forward to raise two white flags and draw the foul for a third. William Buckley also announced himself to proceedings with a pair in quick succession. Another Ben free and UCC had reestablished their earlier five-point lead come the 43rd minute.

MTU Cork struggled all night to feed quality possession into Jack Cahalane and Alan Walsh. The latter will be disappointed he struck the one goal chance presented to him straight at Paudie O’Sullivan. They struggled for a foothold between the UCC 45 and 65-metre lines. It meant they managed only three second-half points from play.

UCC's wastefulness left their opponents in contention. Tom Kingston's students hit 11 second half sides to MTU Cork's none. And so when Jack Cahalane nailed his sixth free on the hour mark, there was only three between them.

The youngest Cahalane brother went for green with a 61st minute free from outside the 20-metre line. UCC corner-back Timmy Wilk repelled the effort. A subsequent free was stroked over. The gap at two. Fionn Coleman eased UCC concerns with a superb point out near the sideline. Cahalane came again. His goal charge did not have the desired outcome.

Both march on. UCC have a fortnight off before marching again. They’ll welcome key players back for that semi-final but may have to appoint a new dead-ball specialist in Cunningham’s absence.

Scorers for UCC: B Cunningham (0-12, 0-9 frees, 0-1 65); M Mullaney, W Buckley, P McGarry (0-2 each); C McCarthy, B Keating, D Hogan, F Coleman, E O’Leary (0-1 each).

Scorers for MTU: J Cahalane (0-9, 0-7 frees); S Walsh (0-3); D Healy, A Walsh (0-2 each); Darragh O’Sullivan, M Mullins, David O’Sullivan, R McCarthy (0-1 each).

UCC (Cork unless stated): P O’Sullivan (Fr O’Neills); S Daly (Randal Óg), C Doolan (St Finbarr’s), T Wilk (Cobh); M Mullaney (Stradbally, Waterford), J Dwyer (Ballincollig), C McCarthy (Sars); B Keating (Ballincollig), D Stakelum (Thurles Sarsfields, Tipperary); B Cunningham (St Finbarr’s), D Flynn (Ballygiblin), E Stokes (Doon, Limerick); W Buckley (St Finbarr’s), F Coleman (Blackrock), P McGarry (St Mary’s Clonmel, Tipperary).

Subs: E O’Leary (Glen Rovers) for McGarry, D Hogan (Sars) for Cunningham (inj) (both 50); L Elliott (Sars) for Daly (58).

MTU Cork (Cork unless stated): C Wilson (Newcestown); F O'Connell (St Catherine's), E Varian (Gen Rovers), Darragh O'Sullivan (Ballinhassig); M Mullins (Whitechurch), R Walsh (Kilmoyley, Kerry), S Fitzgerald (Clashmore/Kinsalebg, Waterford); M Finn (Midleton), D O’Sullivan (Ballincollig); B Lynch (Ballinhassig), D Healy (Lisgoold), S Walsh (Fourmilewater, Waterford); A Walsh (Kanturk), J Cahalane (St Finbarr's), R O’Sullivan (Newcestown).

Subs: R McCarthy (Carrigaline) for R O’Sullivan (41); R Deasy (Courcey Rovers) for Walsh (52).

Referee: C Lyons