WATCH | Late Clifford magic helps UL into first Sigerson final in 25 years after DCU test

The Limerick college will contest only their second ever final next Wednesday.

A late burst from superstar David Clifford helped UL past DCU and into the Sigerson Cup final as the Limerick college sealed a 0-14 to 0-11 win in Carlow on Wednesday evening.

With the sides deadlocked at 0-11 apiece with ten to play, Clifford found two of the final three, playing his part in the other as the tournament favourites justified their backing.

UL will be competing in their first final since 1997 as they seek a maiden crown.

Declan Brouder’s men were made to work for the win against a dogged DCU side that had the first two scores of the day. Clifford got UL off the mark as they hit four on the trot to move two clear after fifteen minutes.

But the Dublin outfit hit back to level proceedings in additional time. But there was still time for Clifford to produce some magic as he lofted over a brilliant effort with two men surrounding him to give UL a slender advantage at the half.

DCU levelled again shortly after the restart, but a brace from Paul Towey had UL three clear with twenty to play.

Three on the bounce in as many minutes had the colleges level with a quarter of an hour to play.

Connell Dempsey regained the lead for UL before Jordan Morrissey replied for DCU.

Clifford took over from here, first slotting over a brilliant free from out on the sideline to earn the lead for UL. Clifford then played his part as Emmet McMahon kicked them two ahead before the Kerry man rounded out the game with his fifth of the evening.

The Paul Maher captained UL will face NUIG in the final after they beat MTU Kerry in a dramatic semi-final encounter in Mick Neville Park on the same evening.

NUIG looked to have one foot in the final as they lead by five late on in Rathkeale. But led by the scoring exploits of Tony Brosnan and Jack Savage, the Kerry outfit drew level in stoppage time.

But NUIG rallied in extra-time and were fully deserving of a 0-18 to 0-15 win with the Kerry outfit losing three men to red cards late on.

The duo will meet in the decider next Wednesday in Carlow IT.

It could be the first of two final meetings for the colleges with both favoured to advance from their Fitzgibbon Cup semi-finals.

Watch the full game below.

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OR: Watch the best bits from the semi-final below.