UL off to a flyer while Mary I beaten in opening round of Fitzgibbon Cup

UL entered the game as heavy favourites with a side glittered with Inter-County players. Limerick stars Ronan Lynch, Gearoid Hegarty, Tom Morrissey and Pat Ryan lined out beside the likes of David Fitzgerald, Tony Kelly, Jason Forde and John McGrath in a game that was moved to the 4G pitch on the UL campus.

The Limerick side started the better opening up a 1-3 to no score lead with the goal coming courtesy of Jason Forde who would finish the day with 1-10 of his sides tally. Pat Ryan added another goal shortly after as UL held a commanding 2-15 to 0-7 lead.

DIT rallied early in the second with Patrick Bonnar Maher and Niall O’Brien netting goals for the Dublin outfit. However UL never really looked troubled, continuing to knock over scores at their ease. All six forwards would get on the scoresheet for UL with John Mcgrath getting his sides 3rd goal.

DIT would score two more goals to give the final scoreline of 3-29 to 4-17 more respectability. UL will be keen to tighten up their defence after leaking four goals, yet they will be happy overall with their display. They will also be aware that if WIT beat DIT on Thursday then they will be guaranteed a spot in the knockout stages.

Next up for the Limerick side is a trip to WIT on February 1 which is likely to be a straight shoot out for top spot in the group.

Carlwo IT gained revenge for the final loss at the hands of Mary I last February with a 1-22 to 0-22 victory in Laois today. The game was moved to the 4G pitch in Heywood College after the college grounds in Carlow were deemed unplayable.

With the aid of a strong wind, Mary I opened up an early 5 point lead with goalkeeper Eoghan Cahill notching a brace of points. However Martin Kavanagh kept the scoreboard ticking for the Leinster College, bagging five points in the opening half. at the break Mary I held a narrow 0-14 to 1-10 lead, with Kilkenny senior Richie Leahy netting for Carlow.

Carlow were reduced to 14 early in the second after Mark Russell was shown a straight red. However, despite holding the man advantage, Mary I could not pull away from their hosts with conditions playing their part. Limerick stars Cian Lynch and Aaron Gillane would finish the game with 0-12 between them, but it prove to be futile as Carlow finished strongly to secure a famous victory.

Up next for the teaching college is a home tie with Trinity College Dublin this Thursday where they will be looking to get their campaign back on track in the hope of completing a hat trick of titles.