UL off to flying start in Sigerson Cup with convincing win over ATU Galway

UNIVERSITY of Limerick commenced their Sigerson Cup campaign in perfect fashion, when easing to a 3-17 to 1-10 victory over ATU Galway at Maguires 4G pitch in UL on Friday evening.

A switch of venue gave the Limerick outfit home advantage, but their performance showed they would have always had too much for the Galway side.

UL are managed by Newcastle West’s Declan Brouder, with Seanie Buckley of Dromcollogher Broadford part of the coaching team. They were able to call upon Darragh O’Hagan, of Mungret St. Paul’s, and Cormac Woulfe, of St. Senan’s, – the pair playing the hour in a most comfortable victory.

There was plenty to like about UL, especially all three goalscorers – Darragh Heneghan, Sean McDonnell and Darragh Cashman.

They rattled the net in the middle third which helped push UL firmly clear of their Galway rivals.

Leading 1-7 to 0-4 at half-time, Jack Fallon impressed with some long-range scores while it was captain Cashman who finished to the net late on to swell that lead to a comfortable six points.

There was a blast of 1-2, inside three second half minutes, as UL killed off any ATU hopes of an upset. The second goal, from Heneghan was a scrappy finish but there was a lot to like about the third goal, as Sean McDonnell finished from a narrowing angle after good work by Cian McHale.

This competition is being played under the ‘old’ Gaelic football rules, which saw UL commit plenty to attack and defence as the need arose. They did kick some long range scores – which in times ahead, would be worth a brace of points.

UL are aiming for a maiden Sigerson Cup title, having lost finals in 2022 and 1997.

Next up for Brouder’s outfit is a trip to Dublin, where they will meet University of Ulster Jordanstown, who were impressive winners over ATU Sligo earlier in the week. The losers of that clash will still get another chance to stay in the hunt for the silverware.

SCORERS: University of Limerick: Darragh Heneghan 1-6; Seán McDonnell 1-4; Jack Fallon 0-3; Darragh Cashman 1-0; Cian McHale 0-2; Daniel Walsh, Thomas O’Donnell 0-1 each. ATU Galway: Nathan Grainger 0-5 (0-4 frees); J Jordan 1-0; P Kelly 0-2 (0-1 free); L Fleming, S Keane, E Mannion 0-1 each.

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK: Tristan O’Callaghan (St. Breckan’s, Clare); Dan Twomey (Ballinascarthy, Cork), Cormac Woulfe (St. Senan’s, Limerick), Daire McDaid (Tullamore, Offaly); Fenton Kelly (Davitts, Mayo), Darragh Cashman (Millstreet, Cork), C Dawson (Westport, Mayo); Jack Fallon (Mayo Gaels, Mayo), Darragh O’Hagan (Mungret St. Paul’s, Limerick); Darragh Heneghan (Michael Glaveys, Roscommon), Thomas O’Donnell (Castlegregory, Kerry), Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry Ibrickane, Clare); Cathal Joyce (Claremorris, Mayo), Charlie O’Sullivan (Ardigole, Cork), Sean McDonnell (Mallow, Cork). Subs: Cian McHale (Moy Davitts, Mayo) for Joyce (HT); Paddy O’Driscoll (Gabriel Rangers, Cork) for Kelly; Conor Heneghan (Tuam Stars, Galway) for McDonnell (46); Joesph Grady (Westport, Mayo) for Cashman (50); Jack O’Neill (Ardfinnan, Tipperary) for McDaid (56).

ATU GALWAY (Galway unless stated): Eamon McGrath (Claregalway); Ethan Owens (Eastern Gaels, Mayo), Shane Canavan (Corofin), Luke Fleming (Curry, Sligo); Niall Prenderville, Conor Roarty (Naomh Conail), Darragh Hegarty (Annaghdown); Sean Keane (Moycullen), Paul Kelly (Moycullen); Conor Reid (Bohola Moy Davitts, Mayo), Cian Murphy (Corofin), Adam Tierney (Ougtherard); Nathan Grainger (Claregalway), Fionn McDonagh (Naomh Anna Leitir Mór), Eoin Mannion (Milltown). Subs: Shane McGinley for Roarty (26); Jack Jordan for McDonagh (33); Paddy Downey for Keane (50); Daire Callaghan for Tierney (55); Dylan Joyce for Hegarty (60).

REFEREE: Shane Corcoran (Mayo).