Sam O’Farrell hits 1-8 as second-half surges sees University of Galway past UCD

A storming second half saw University of Galway cruised past UCD in this opening game of Group C in the Fitzgibbon Cup. Picture: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE

Fitzgibbon Cup: University of Galway 3-20 UCD 1-17

A storming second half saw University of Galway cruised past UCD in this opening game of Group C in the Fitzgibbon Cup.

Just two points separated the sides at half-time but UCD found themselves scrambling thereafter, as they conceded 1-3 without reply in a decisive spell.

Galway, managed by Clare All-Ireland winner Frank Lohan, led 1-13 to 1-11 at the turnaround. It was tight and tactical with a healthy sprinkling of golden quality to enhance it.

David Purcell hit a goal after racing in from the sideline within five minutes for the visitors to leave them level. He was a significant loss when he had to be replaced after 22 minutes.

Both sides played with two inside, with Greg Thomas and Dan Bourke the Galway focal point. It was Bourke who laid on a well-taken goal for Tipperary All-Ireland winner Sam O’Farrell midway through the half.

A burst of three consecutive points pushed the hosts five points clear, but UCD finished the half expertly. The superb David Williams, who earlier hit the point of the night from an acute angle, kept them in touch. It took a reflex save from goalkeeper Liam Hoare to deny UCD a second goal. The Offaly man was outstanding all night, landing two long-range frees and demonstrating a vast range with his puckouts.

Much of Galway’s dominance stemmed from that set-piece. They conceded it short to the opposition full-back line and repeatedly turned them over in the middle. In the end, ball was repeatedly pumped long in a desperate scramble for a way back into the game. It never troubled them.

The third goal of the fixture was a beauty. Darragh Neary chased a ball that looked lost and managed to flick it up the field. Greg Thomas collected and selflessly laid on to the onrushing Charlie Mitchell, who batted it in. It was pass-and-move play, constant support and pace, hurling of the modern stripe.

Galwegian David Lee hit back with a point while Conal O Riain fought manfully from centre-back yet their inability to secure enough possession in the opposite 45 undermined any bid to swing momentum. O’Farrell turned creator for the third goal as he delivered a lovely ball inside and Ter Guinan found the target.

“We probably just settled in,” said O’Farrell of their finish.

“It still is probably our first time playing together as a solid 15. Just with lads being away, lads being out injured. It was lads getting used to each other. If you watch it back, in the first half we’d some sloppy errors and they capitalised as we knew they would. We just said at half-time we would tighten up on that.”

While the college competition is in a funny spot, the fundamentals remain the same. Those involved love being part of it. This week has shown the talent on display, particularly in stacked UL side. It still has a vital place in the game’s ecosystem.

“It means a whole lot,” said O’Farrell. “You are playing with lads that you would never get the chance to play with. The history behind the competition is special as well. You are playing with lads you will be against at the weekend.

“A very, very special competition we’d have grown up watching. I watched a lot of heroes in them.” 

Scorers for University of Galway: S. O’Farrell 1-8 (0-4 frees, 1 65); C. Mitchell 1-2; T. Guinan 1-1; L. Hoare (frees), D. Neary, L. Leen 0-2 each; G. Thomas, D. Comar, G. Lee 0-1 each.

Scorers for UCD: D. Williams 0-7 (0-4 frees); David Purcell 1-1; D. Lee 0-3; J. Duggan, Dara Purcell, L. Connellan, D. Guerin, S. Roche, C O Riain 0-1 each.

UG: L. Hoare (Offaly); J. Ryan (Galway), B. O’Donovan (Galway), M. Hardiman (Galway); F. O’Brioin (Clare), G. Lee (Galway), D. Comar (Galway); S. O’Farrell (Tipperary), I. McGlynn (Galway); D. Neary (Galway), C. Mitchell (Offaly), L. Leen (Galway); D. Bourke (Offaly), G. Thomas (Galway), T. Guinan (Offaly).

Subs: P. Taaffe (Offaly) for O’Donovan (half-time); R. Davitt (Galway) for Leen (48); D. Davouren (Galway) for Bourke, T. Leen (Galway) for Neary (both 55).

UCD: S. McGrath (Kilkenny); E. Ryan (Wexford), D. Lucey (Dublin), P. Rafter (Laois); D. Guerin (Kildare), C. O Rian (Dublin), P. Connellan (Kilkenny); Dara Purcell (Dublin), S. Roche (Wexford); D. Lee (Galway), David Purcell (Dublin), L. Connellan (Kilkenny); J. Duggan (Laois), D. Williams (Westmeath), D. Ó Dálaigh (Dublin).

Subs: G. Flannery (Dublin) for Purcell (22 -Inj); C. McCarthy for Rafter (45).

Referee: N. Malone (Clare).