Dóchas Éireann 'in control' to claim O'Connor Cup hat-trick

Meath star Emma Duggan led by example with a haul of 1-5.

Mon, 17 Mar, 2025 - 07:34

John Fallon

AIG O’Connor Cup final: DCU Dóchas Éireann 2-11 UCC 1-9

DCU Dóchas Éireann manager Stephen Duff hailed a phenomenal run of success as the college claimed the AIG O’Connor Cup for the third year in a row at Queen’s University in Belfast. Meath star and DCU DÉ skipper Emma Duggan led by example with a haul of 1-5.

“It’s massive for our college," said Duff. "We spoke about it this morning, the last time we lost a game was the 9th of March 2022. We’ve now gone 28 games unbeaten with this group and it’s phenomenal, three full calendar years and a bit.

“They just looked so in control. I’m delighted for them, they’re the best people in the world and we just try to provide an environment for them to be their best. Delighted we got a chance to do that,” said Duff.

At Queen's University, DCU DÉ led by 2-5 to 0-7 at the interval, with Clodagh Lohan getting their opening goal in what was a repeat of last year’s final.

UCC manager Joe Carroll, whose side was bidding for their first crown since 2012, said it was disappointing to lose for the third time in four years in the decider.

A goal from Emma Morrissey, who along with Roisin Ennis had won the title with DCU DÉ last year, gave them hope but they were unable to dethrone the champions.

“They’re experienced. They’ve a lot of those players now, they’re on their third year,” said Carroll. “Their third medal in a row, so they have to gain experience in that. We haven’t and we’ve a lot of young players, we’ve a lot of that squad left again next year. It’s just back to the drawing board and see where you go from there.

"There’s nothing between the two teams on a given day. It could go either way,” added Carroll, who is also the Cork senior manager this season.

Meanwhile, MTU Cork, beaten in the final last year, won the Lynch Cup for the first time with a 3-10 to 0-6 win over UCD, while MIC Limerick won the Giles Cup for the fourth time with a 3-9 to 1-8 win over UCD.