Classy UL see off DCU to earn Sigerson Cup final spot

UL ARE into the Sigerson Cup Final for the second year running after a stunning performance saw them to a 3-12 to 0-12 victory over DCU at Netwatch Cullen Park.

The Limerick college were the better side for large periods of the game and never looked back after Ciarán Downes's goal put them 1-4 to 0-4 up after 17 minutes.

Further goals in the second half by Aaron Griffin and Eoghan McLaughlin followed for the Declan Brouder managed team who now play the final next week in Waterford IT.

The sides were level four times before Downes punished a poor DCU kick-out and lofted the ball into an empty net. Points from Paul Keaney, Mark Lenehan and Downes then saw UL to a 1-7 to 0-4 half-time advantage.

DCU came out all guns blazing after the break with the first four points of the half, three of which coming from Oisin Gallen. A Keaney free settled UL nerves and then Griffin's cool finish for the second goal ended the contest with 16 minutes to go.

McLaughlin then fired the insurance goal late on with a powerful finish that saw UL to a nine-point winning margin. They play UCC in the decider after the Cork college beat TU Dublin. 

UL Scorers: Ciarán Downes 1-3, Aaron Griffin 1-1, Eoghan McLaughlin 1-0, Paul Walsh 0-3 (1 free), Paul Keaney (2 frees) 0-2, John Hayes, Daniel Walsh and Mark Lenehan 0-1 each.

UL: Conor Flaherty (Claregalway-Carnmore, Galway); Colm Moriarty (Annascaul, Kerry), Jack O'Brien (Durrow, Offaly), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet, Cork); Jack Coyne (Ballyhaunis, Mayo), Jack Glynn (Claregalway, Galway), Eoghan McLaughlin (Westport, Mayo); Ikem Uguweru (Eire Og Ennis, Clare), Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry-Ibrickane, Clare); Ciarán Downes (Kilmihil, Clare), Emmet McMahon (Kildysart, Clare), Paul Keaney (St Mary's Kiltoghert, Leitrim); John Hayes (St Kieran's, Limerick), Aaron Griffin (Lissycasey, Clare), Mark Lenehan (Buttevant, Cork).

Subs: Sean McDonnell (Mallow, Cork) for Hayes (35 mins), Brian McNamara (Cooraclare, Clare) for Uguweru (41 mins), Frank Irwin (Ballina) for Keaney (49 mins), Paul Walsh (Brosna, Kerry) for McMahon (52 mins), Cian Glennon (St Faithleacha, Roscommon) for Lenehan (56 mins).