Mary I beat NUIG in Fitzgibbon cup thriller to advance to quarter final

In a winner takes all contest, champions Mary I overcame a valiant NUIG side by 1-20 to 2-15 to reach the quarter final stages of this years Fitzgibbon Cup. Aaron Gillane would be the scoring hero for Mary I, notching 0-12, with his return to the starting XV a welcome sight for Jamie Wall who is still on course to complete a Fitzgibbon Cup hat-trick.

Mary I had to work hard for their victory and were three points down late in the second half after Conor Whelan grabbed his second goal of the game. However, three unanswered scores in extra time secured the two point victory for the hosts.

The sides started evenly and traded scores early on with free takers Aaron Gillane and D Burke on song for their sides. Indeed Gillane pointed five of Mary I’s opening six points. Clare’s Colin Guilfoyle swept home for the hosts late in the second half to give them a five point, 1-10 to 0-8 cushion at the break.

NUIG came out a different team in the second half and quickly got on top of the Limerick college. Galway senior Paraic Mannion began to assert his influence and within 10 minutes of the restart a Conor Whelan goal had the sides level at 1-11 apiece.

Mary I reeled off three in a row before the Galway outfit replied in kind to keep the sides deadlocked on 53 minutes. Conor Whelan looked to have won the game for NUIG with his second goal. Yet Mary I replied with two scores to bring them within a point.

NUIG then had the chance to win the game when Brian Colconnans shot was blocked by Mary I keeper Eoghan Cahill whose clearance found Cian Lynch who was fouled allowing Gillane to tie the game once again. NUIG would take the lead again before Mary I rattled off three in a row to seal their passage.