Brian Ryan’s side won all three group games to reach this stage
A remarkable opportunity awaits the University of Limerick this evening. They are just 60 minutes away from reaching a fourth Fitzgibbon Cup final in a row for the first time in their history.
Standing in their way is MTU Cork who saw off the challenge of TUS Midwest last Thursday on a scoreline of 4-18 to 1-17. Alan Walsh was the main man in that encounter, finishing up with a hat trick of goals, and posing a huge threat throughout the game.
UL have a rich history in this competition having been successful on eight occasions, with the most recent title win coming in 2023 which was added to their 2022 win over the University of Galway.
The Limerick college went for the three peat last year but were denied in their hunt by Mary Immaculate College who have since been knocked out of this year’s championship by DCU.
UL come into the match after three wins from three group games, seeing off SETU Waterford, Mary I, and ATU Galway respectively. Their opponents meanwhile have had to go the long way to reach this stage, with wins over the University of Galway and University College Dublin before losing out to fellow Cork side UCC by three points.
Despite being on the edge of elimination at half time against TUS Midwest, they rallied and found an extra gear and thanks in large to the likes of Alan Connolly, Alan Walsh and Jack Cahalane, who combined to finish with 4-11 of their sides 4-18 tally.
MTU Cork also have some star power in their ranks with Cork wing back Ciaran Joyce, All Ireland U20 winner Diarmaid Healy operating in their half forward line and Micheal Mullins who scored a super solo goal against Offaly in their All Ireland U20 final in 2023.
UL come into this game fresh having not had to play a quarter-final thus allowing some of their players a chance to tog out with their county teams in the Allianz Hurling League.
Adam English, Colin Coughlan, Patrick O’Donovan, Bryan O’Meara and Gearoid O’Connor were all in action in the clash between Limerick and Tipperary at the weekend, whilst Patrick Crotty impressed for Clare in their defeat to Galway on Saturday evening.
One player who has had a fantastic start to life in this year’s championship is Dungourney’s Jack Leahy. The Cork man has been a very consistent operator in the full forward line as he finished with 0-4 against Mary I and 1-6 against ATU Galway.
This promises to be a great clash between two sides who love to play expansive and quick hurling and should provide great entertainment for those interested in this famous competition, with the winners securing their spot alongside the winners of the UCC and DCU clash happening this evening at 6:30pm.
Throw-in is at 8 pm from Mallow in Cork, with Thomas Walsh taking charge. The match is also being streamed on the Sport TG4 YouTube channel and can be accessed here.