Adam Foley the hero as University of Limerick book Collingwood Cup final spot

Collingwood Cup Semi-final:

Maynooth University 0-1 University of Limerick

ADAM Foley proved the hero for the University of Limerick as they booked their place in tomorrow, Wednesday's, Collingwood Cup final thanks to a 1-0 win over Maynooth.

UL will now face UCD in the Collingwood Cup decider at Inver Park, Larne with a 4pm kick-off.

The quick turnaround from Monday's quarter-final action meant this game was always going to be a war of attrition. 

The first clear cut chance of the game fell to UL after eight minutes. Newmarket Celtic player David McCarthy played the ball over the top for Conor Butler, who accelerated towards the penalty area with his shot then going just over the crossbar. 

Just moments later UL saw strong appeals for a handball in the Maynooth area waved away by the referee. 

Maynooth were matching UL physically in the midfield battle while also looking to exploit their pace on the wings. Limerick’s centre back duo of Tom Carney and Conor Whittle were called into action on a few occasions to clear danger as Maynooth looked to cut the ball back into the box.

With sixteen minutes played Conor Butler once again found himself bearing down on the Maynooth goal, with his venomous strike stinging the hands of the Maynooth shotstopper winning a corner. 

Maynooth responded with a real chance of their own just two minutes later, a dangerous cross from the right fell to their captain on the edge of the area. He seemed caught between two minds as to put his laces through it or to try and side foot it goalwards. The resulting shot sailed harmlessly over the bar but was a timely reminder for UL that they had a real game on their hands. 

The physical nature of the game meant counter attacks were going to offer the best chances for either side. The end to end nature of the contest was clear to see in the opening 38 minutes. 

From a UL corner Maynooth launched a long ball forward, Regional United’s Joey Rushe did well to get back and win possession before launching a counter attack. Rushe found Butler who kept the ball moving forward with a pass to Adam Foley. Foley then linked up with McCarthy who spotted the run of Rushe. He cut the ball back to McCarthy who tried his luck from range, but his effort failed to hit the target. 

The sides were deadlocked at 0-0 come the short whistle. UL started the second half the stronger of the two sides. David McCarthy sent a low strike towards goal within the opening minute. 

Darren Butler was the next UL player to try his luck he sent a volley goalward from the edge of the area after a 52nd minute corner with the ball fizzing past the upright. 

David McCarthy used his body well to win a free-kick in a dangerous position in the 54th minute. From the free he curled the ball towards the top left hand corner of the Maynooth goal only to be denied by a fine finger tip save.

Maynooth were under pressure and UL sensed a goal was coming and it duly arrived in the 68th minute. 

From a free kick deep in their own half, UL 'keeper Joshua Coady launched the ball forward where it was flicked on by Eoin Redmond. His header was in turn headed into the area by McCarthy. 

The alert Adam Foley had anticipated this and slipped in behind his marker as the Maynooth goalkeeper rushed out. The Aisling Annacotty striker produced a deft chip to take the ball over the head of his opponent before it nestled into the back of the net sparking celebrations in the UL technical area. 

The Shannonsiders then faced an onslaught as Maynooth went in search of an equaliser. Tom Carney produced several terrific tackles to cut out any danger while Conor Whittle once again demonstrated his aerial prowess to snuff out Maynooth’s forays into the UL area.

Both sides were forced to make changes as the minutes ticked by due to the physical nature of the game and the toll yesterday’s action had taken on their legs. Ewan O’Brien of Regional United deputised well for Conor Butler never shying out of tackles.

As Maynooth pushed bodies forward, chances were opening up for UL. Bridge United’s Leon Daly was creating plenty of headaches for the Kildare side as he looked to find a second on the counter. On more than one occasion he found himself in a foot race with the Maynooth ‘keeper who averted the danger. 

Avenue United’s Cullen McCabe did well to head off some dangerous advances down the left wing while Tom Kidd must have covered nearly every blade of grass as he once again played an integral role in both defence and attack. 

The Treaty men had to endure a lengthy period of stoppage time due to several substitutions and head injuries. Maynooth piled the pressure on but substitutes Ciaran Jennings and Dean Hegarty played their part to alleviate the pressure. 

The commitment and determination of this Limerick side was exemplified by Eoin Redmond who ran his socks off all day and was only forced off after suffering a nasal injury that left his nose bleeding in the final minutes. 

The meeting of UL and UCD in the 2023 Collingwood Cup at Inver Park, Larne on Wednesday at 4pm will be available to stream for free on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDx8115xClQ

UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK: Joshua McCarthy; Cullen McCabe, Tom Carney (captain), Conor Whittle, Joey Rushe; Darren Butler, Tom Kidd, Eoin Redmond, Conor Butler; Adam Foley and David McCarthy. Substitutes: Ewan O’Brien for Conor Butler (72 mins), Leon Daly for Adam Foley (83 mins), Ciaran Jennings for Darren Butler (90 mins), Dean Hegarty for Eoin Redmond (95 mins). Unused Substitutes: Theo Joyce, Cillian Duffy, Oleg Vysochan, Tom Kelly, Ciaran Barry.