Late rally sees UCC claim three in-a-row

UCC capped a superb week by claiming their third successive All-Ireland Freshers (1) hurling crown, to complement Saturday’s Fitzgibbon Cup triumph, in an absorbing decider against UL in Mallow yesterday.

It was a brilliant success for UCC, managed by Cork senior selector Ger Cunningham, as they recovered from a nine-point deficit after 25 minutes and it was not until the 53rd minute that they led for the first time.

They were grateful to some excellent marksmanship from last year’s Limerick minor Jack Ahern who maintained his high standards with a 0-9 haul, while St Finbarr’s player Eoghan Finn thrived at wing-forward as he registered 0-4.