PICTURES: University of Limerick supporters turn out in force for Fitzgibbon Cup quarter-final clash with UCC

Champions University of Limerick eventually pulled clear of a wasteful University of College Cork to progress to a fifth Fitzgibbon Cup semi-final in as many seasons. The winning effort was thanks to a spread of Limerick talent, as the competitions favourites faced their sternest test to date.

UCC, who enjoyed a mixed group phase, finished this contest at Maguires Field in UL with just thirteen men, owing to late red cards to Cork’s Eoin Downey and sub Michael Mullaney. While no doubt frustrating, UL were virtually over the winning line at this stage as the niggle in the contest spilled over.

Downey was sent off for interfering with the helmet of Colin Coughlan, the UL captain, while Mullaney also received a straight red card for a forceful challenge on Ciarmhac Smyth, who hobbled off as a result

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Brian Ryan’s side had scoring contributions from Darragh McCarthy, Diarmuid Stritch and Adam Screeney. Late points from Doon’s Adam English, Fintan Fitzgerald of Mungret St. Paul’s and the industrious Aidan O’Connor, of Ballybrown, sealed the victory.

Cathal O’Neill was a notable absentee for this star studded UL side, but they were far too potent even without his influence.

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