Independent.ie HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup Quarter-Final: University of Limerick 2-19 Cork IT 3-11

By Denis Hurley

UL remain on course for back-to-back Fitzgibbon Cup titles after they held off the challenge of Cork IT at the CIT Sports Stadium on Wednesday night.  

Two goals from Kevin O’Brien were key for the holders, the second coming midway through the second half when a spirited CIT start to the second half had seen them come to within just a point of the holders.  

CIT, missing suspended Tipperary star John O’Dwyer, struggled to respond to that, though they looked to have given themselves hope with three minutes of normal time left as they were awarded a penalty when trailing by five.  

However, John Cashman, the player fouled for the penalty, retaliated and so referee Johnny Ryan opted to throw in the ball. While Michael Kearney did have a goal chance in the wake of that, UL goalkeeper Paul Maher saved and there was no more scoring.  

O’Brien’s first goal, set up by David Fitzgerald, put UL into an early 1-1 to no score lead but the home team had an immediate response as Jamie Coughlan netted. UL’s scoring power was far greater overall, however, with John McGrath, Conor Martin and Tom Morrissey impressing as they twice strung four points together.  

A second CIT goal, scored by Kearney, had ensured that they remained in touch, but UL were clear favourites with a 1-13 to 2-5 half-time lead. CIT began the second half well, with Robbie Hanley and Ray Barry pointing before Bill Cooper fired in a third goal.  

That left it 1-14 to 3-7 but an equaliser couldn’t be found, McGrath (with a re-taken free) and Cooper exchanging points before O’Brien pounced on an error by CIT goalkeeper Gary Minihane.

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Scorers for UL: K O’Brien 2-1, J McGrath 0-6 (0-2 frees), T Morrissey, C Martin 0-4 each, B Stapleton, K Hehir, J Forde (0-1 free), B Heffernan 0-1 each.  

Scorers for Cork IT: J Coughlan 1-3 (0-3 frees), B Cooper, M Kearney 1-1 each, R Barry 0-3 (0-2 frees), A Coffey 0-2, R Hanley 0-1.  

UL: P Maher (Moyne-Templetuohy, Tipperary); M Casey (Na Piarsaigh, Limerick), J Browne (Ballyea, Clare), A McGuane (Kilmaley, Clare); G Hegarty (St Patrick’s, Limerick), J Forde (Silvermines, Tipperary), B Stapleton (Templederry Kenyons, Tipperary); K Hehir (Inagh-Kilnamona, Clare), B Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh, Tipperary); D Fitzgerald (Inagh-Kilnamona, Clare), C Martin (Emeralds, Kilkenny), J McGrath (Loughmore-Castleiney, Tipperary); T Heffernan (Éire Óg Nenagh, Tipperary), T Morrissey (Ahane, Limerick), K O’Brien (Patrickswell, Limerick). Subs: C McInerney (Cratloe, Clare) for Heffernan (41), P Ryan (Doon, Limerick) for Hegarty (60), B Maher (Kilsheelan-Kilcash, Tipperary) for O’Brien (60).  

CORK IT (Cork clubs unless stated): G Minihane (Courcey Rovers); S Murphy (Blackrock), M Russell (Aghada), C Hammersley (Clonoulty-Rossmore, Tipperary); R Barry (Lismore, Waterford), M Ellis (Millstreet), D Noonan (Glen Rovers); K O’Neill (Watergrasshill), B Cooper (Youghal); P White (Midleton), J Cronin (Lisgoold), A Coffey (Nenagh Éire Óg, Tipperary); J Coughlan (Newtownshandrum), N McNamara (Kilworth), M Kearney (Ballyduff, Waterford). Subs: K Kavanagh (Carrigaline) for Noonan (17), R Hanley (Kilmallock, Limerick) for O’Neill (29), S O’Donovan (Mayfield) for Russell (30, injured), J Cashman (Lisgood) for McNamara (44), B Reddin (Castletown, Laois) for White (50).  

Referee: J Ryan (Tipperary).