Composed UL reach Sigerson Cup semi-finals with victory over DCU

UNIVERSITY of Limerick progressed to the last four of the Sigerson Cup thanks to a 0-14 to 1-10 victory over DCU, as they chase that elusive piece of football silverware for the very first time.

They take a step closer after edging beyond a gallant DCU effort, at Maguires Fields on the UL campus on Wednesday evening. A one-point margin was, as it suggests, a very tight game, but Declan Brouder’s side never trailed and always had answers for their Dublin counterparts.

As well as the opening five points of the contest, the winners also put in spurts of three points twice more, both when DCU had tied up the contest.

A second-half goal, from close range from Senan Baker could have swayed the momentum to those in yellow, but the men in the white and navy of UL kicked on once more.

By half-time there was just a point between the sides, 0-7 to 0-6. Frank Irwin (2), Ciaran Downes and Daniel Walsh had helped UL to an efficient and explosive first five minutes.

But, after moving five clear, DCU came to life. A trio of scores from Shane O’Donnell as well as efforts from Joe Hagan and Matthew Costello made it a one pints game at the change of ends. All 13 points came from open play in the opening half.

Team captain Mark Dempsey, from Kildare, was black-carded for a pull down early in the second half, this allowed DCU tie the game for the first time.

However, there was a trio of UL points, including two Paul Keaney frees, to move clear.

DCU’s subs, of which two were used, made an impact, Senan Baker netting a goal. He could have scored with his first involvement, but was denied by Conor Flaherty, but minutes later, he flicked past the Galwayman to level it.

UL, finished with four points, with just three in reply, and managed the game to the final whistle. The crucial late scores game from Keaney, Irwin and sub Cian O’Grady.

Scorers: University of Limerick: Paul Keaney 0-5 (0-4 frees); Frank Irwin 0-3; Ciaran Downes 0-2; Daniel Walsh, Cian Glennon, Sean McDonnell, Cian O’Grady 0-1 each. Dublin City University: Senan Baker 1-1; Shane O’Donnell 0-3; Shane Walsh 0-2 (frees); Matthew Costello, Ruairi Keane, Joe Hagan, Kevin Quinn 0-1 each.

University of Limerick: Conor Flaherty (Claregalway, Galway); Colm Moriarty (Annascaul, Kerry), Mark Dempsey (C) (Moorefiled, Kildare), Caelim Keogh (Padraig Pearses, Roscommon); Darragh Cashman (Millstreet, Cork), Cian Glennon (St Faithleach’s, Roscommon), Daniel Walsh (Kilmurry Ibrickane, Clare); Cathal Ryan (Rathmore, Kerry), Brian McNamara (Cooraclare, Clare); Frank Irwin (Ballina Stephanites, Mayo), Paul Keaney (St. Mary’s, Leitrim), Sean McDonnell (Mallow, Cork); Paul Walsh (Brosna, Kerry), Jack McCabe (Corofin, Galway), Ciaran Downes (Kilmihill, Clare). Subs: Eliah Riordan (Fr. Casey’s, Limerick) for Glennon (43); Cian McHale (Moy Davitts, Mayo) for McDonnell (46); Luke Murphy (Cullen, Cork) for P Walsh (51); Cian O’Grady (Castlegregory, Kerry) for McCabe (60), Jack Fallon (Mayo Gales) for Downes (62).

Dublin City University: Cian McGuinness (Longford Slashers, Longford); Bryan Masterson (Abbeylara, Longford), Jamie Grant (Termon, Donegal), Seán Fitzgerald (Barna, Galway); Keelin McGann (Kenagh, Longford) Ruairi Keane (Mayo Gaels, Mayo), Joesph Hagan (Dromard, Longford); Matthew Costello (Dunshaughlin, Meath), Ryan Donohoe (Gowna, Cavan); Dean Robertson (Ballymun Kickhams, Dublin), Shane Walsh (Na Fianna, Meath), Shane O’Donnell (St. Eunan’s, Donegal); Paraic Hughes (Kilanerin, Wexford), Dylan McKeown (Dundalk Gaels, Louth), Cian Hughes (Kilanerin, Wexford). Subs: K Quinn (Blessington, Wicklow) for Donohue, Senan Baker (Caulry, Westmeath) for C Hughes (both 39).

Referee: David Murnane (Cork)