Four-goal DCU Dóchas Éireann dig deep to edge Fitzgibbon quarter final against MTU

Alan Walsh of MTU and Sam Bourke of DCU do battle. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Fitzgibbon Cup quarter-final: MTU Cork 2-15 DCU Dóchas Éireann 4-13

Finalists last year, DCU Dóchas Éireann made a successful trip to MTU Cork on Wednesday, securing their place in the last four of the Fitzgibbon Cup. 

Quite literally, goals win games, and three first-half green flags against the wind left them a mere point behind at the break.

Then, it was second-half substitute Luke Murphy - just moments on the field - who provided the clinching goal three minutes from time.

Despite missing a number of key players due to injury, this was a statement win against a MTU side that had sealed a home quarter-final after finishing top of Group B.

But some of their decision making, along with wasteful shooting, saw them come up short by four points.

Once Cathal Beirne drew DCU Dóchas Éireann level immediately upon the restart - after MTU unsuccessfully went for goal from a 20 metre free - their confidence soared.

The teams remained evenly matched right up to the three-quarter mark, 3-10 to 2-13.

When Ronan Walsh and Beirne exchanged points, a grandstand finish was expected.

But as the heavens opened, DCU Dóchas Éireann took over the scoreboard, while MTU failed to register between the 48th and the 63rd minute, and the visitors’ defence deserve huge credit for this.

Ruairi O'Connor of MTU and Sean Gallagher of DCU rise to meet the high ball. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

Beirne grabbed his fifth point and Murphy’s goal was decisive after he was set up by Denis Walsh.

Walsh followed with a free in the final minute, 4-13 to 2-14.

MTU required at least a goal, but their efforts came up short. Darragh O’Sullivan’s point from a 65 in the third minute of additional time was their final act.

Thanks to a lightning-fast start from both teams, three goals were scored in the opening seven minutes.

Alan Walsh’s major arrived in the fourth minute, a delightful ground strike on an O’Sullivan lengthy delivery.

DCU Dóchas Éireann hit back when Walsh netted a penalty following a foul on Sam Byrne, and next Byrne found the net himself after good work by Greg Kelly and Beirne, 2-0 to 1-2.

There was deadlock five times before MTU made a move in the 23rd minute when Diarmuid Healy broke through for a goal after Johnny Murphy did the groundwork.

It helped the hosts into a 2-7 to 2-4 lead.

Playing with a strong breeze at their backs, points from Mikey Finn and Ryan Deasy opened up a four-point lead.

Approaching the half-way mark, there was still time for one more twist when Beirne worked the sliotar down along the right flank and his crossfield shot was perfectly met by Donagh Murphy’s first-time pull to the back of the net.

With that, his team received a timely boost, and they went to the dressing-room 2-10 to 3-6 in arrears.

The Fitzgibbon and Sigerson finals return to Croke Park for the first time since the 80s, so this will provide extra incentive for DCU Dóchas Éireann to get to the showpiece event in mid February.

Scorers for MTU Cork: A Walsh (1-2), M Finn (0-5, 0-3 frees), D Healy (1-1), R Walsh (0-3, 0-1 free), R Deasy (0-2), D O’Sullivan (65) and R O’Connor (0-1 each).

Scorers for DCU Dóchas Éireann: D Walsh (1-5, 1-0 pen, 0-5 frees), C Beirne (0-5), S Byrne, D Murphy and L Murphy (1-0 each), S Gallagher, P Clarke and G Kelly (0-1 each).

MTU CORK: G Bucinskas (Kanturk); F O’Connell (St Catherine’s), J O’Brien (Fermoy), T O’Leary Hayes (Midleton); C Ryan (Brickey Rangers), D O’Sullivan (Ballinhassig), R Walsh (Kilmoyley); R Deasy (Ballymartle), M Finn (Midleton); S Walsh (Fourmilewater), D Healy (Lisgoold), R O’Connor (Feenagh Kilmeedy); A Walsh (Kanturk, Capt), J Murphy (Dromina), A McEvoy (Graigue Ballycallan).

Subs: E Varian (Glen Rovers) for J O’Brien (21-24 temp), M Kelleher (Dicksboro) for A McEvoy (47), E Varian for R Walsh (52 inj), R Walsh for R O’Connor (55), D O’Leary (Ballincollig) for F O’Connell (58).

DCU DÓCHAS ÉIREANN: S Manogue (James Stephens); P Lennon (Carrickshock), L O’Reilly (Naas), S Bourke (Durrow); B Reid (Glenmore), A Keegan (Clontarf), S Gallagher (Namoh Barróg); E O’Brien (Naas), D O’Meara (Maynooth); P Clarke (Castletown Geoghegan), D Murphy (Mount Leinster Rangers), C Beirne (Glenmore, Capt); D Walsh (Dunnamaggin), S Byrne (Black and Whites), G Kelly (O’Loughlin Gaels).

Subs: A Gargon (Fingallians) for S Byrne (47), L Murphy (Faith Harriers) for E O’Brien (55).

Referee: Colm Lyons (Nemo Rangers).