Preview: Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Final
UL and MICL contested the 2024 Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final. They meet again in the 2026 decider at Croke Park. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Final
Friday February 13
UL v MICL, Croke Park, 7.35pm, TG4
By Cian O'Connell
A Limerick derby under the Friday night Croke Park lights. This really should be lively.
Despite being bothered by a number of injuries to key players, MICL have still managed to reach another decider. Resilience has been demonstrated, especially during an awkward semi-final away to DCU Dóchas Eireann.
That match illustrated Mary I's drive and desire. Shane Walsh, from a cherished Tullaroan sporting family, was a key figure finishing sharply with a 0-13 haul. Cian Scully and Adam Daly landed vital scores, while Darragh Walsh, Eoin Lawless, and Jimmy Quilty were splendid, too.
The fact Mary I triumphed without the accomplished Adam Hogan and Shane O'Brien provided a further source of hope and encouragement.
Jamie Wall continues to make a sterling contribution to the Mary I Fitzgibbon story. It has been a remarkable decade and a half for Mary I. Since 2013 Mary I have contested five finals, winning three which is a significant achievement considering the student numbers compared to other competitors.
Holders UL have raised the Fitzgibbon nine times. So, UL are well versed dealing with these types of occasions.
In the last two rounds, UL eventually cleared demanding hurdles against UCC and University of Galway. Undoubtedly, there is top class inter-county talent in the UL ranks, but they were forced to work extremely hard at home against University of Galway, who started brightly.
Adam Screeney was immense at the penultimate stage, rifling over five points from play. All were in the sweet category and it will be worth monitoring the gifted Offaly attacker at GAA headquarters.
Throughout 2025, Screeney had to be minded at club, county, and college level, but hurling enthusiasts are delighted the Kilcormac-Killoughey craftsman is back in action.
Manager Brian Ryan has been involved with successful Limerick underage outfits and has forged a good connection with UL in recent times.
The talent is considerable. Darragh McCarthy is a potent attacking threat inside alongside Tipperary colleague Oisín O'Donoghue and Jack Leahy.
Jack O'Neill, Aidan O'Connor, and Screeney were effective against University of Galway, while Darach Fahy, Mark Fitzgerald, Killian Doyle, and Colin Coughlan are other effective players.
A high quality match beckons at the Jones Road venue.
