Fitzgibbon Cup Semi Final
University of Limerick 0-18 University of Galway 1-13
As the clock ticked into injury time with the sides locked level and a packed crowd lining the pitch, young Offaly star Adam Screeney delivered the defining moment, striking a magnificent point from near the sideline. Darragh McCarthy followed with a nerveless free as the University of Limerick secured a dramatic two-point victory over the University of Galway.
Played under lights on Maguire’s grass pitch, UL’s place in the Fitzgibbon Cup final hung precariously in the balance late on as Galway surged back into contention. However, moments of brilliance from Screeney, allied to a resolute defensive stand during a frantic 27-man goalmouth scramble on the final play, proved just enough to set up an all-Limerick final against Mary Immaculate College in Croke Park next Friday night.
Despite being without Adam English and John Conneally through injury, UL looked the stronger side for much of the contest and entered into the encounter as firm favourites. Galway, however, refused to yield, with Sam O’Farrell, Darragh Neary and outstanding goalkeeper Liam Hoare posing persistent problems for the Shannonsiders.
The warning signs arrived early as Neary found the net just seconds after the throw-in, setting the tone for a contest in which UL would not have it all their own way. The hosts soon settled, responding with five unanswered points from Aidan O’Connor, Jack O’Neill, Adam Screeney and two frees from McCarthy to seize control. It was a lead UL would retain until the closing minutes.
Galway responded through Gavin Lee, but UL continued to showcase their attacking threat, with Screeney adding three superb points and further contributions from O’Connor and Oisín O’Donoghue. Exchanged frees from Tipperary stars McCarthy and O’Farrell left the half-time score reading 0-11 to 1-3 in UL’s favour. It was a strong position despite 10 first-half wides and the advantage of the breeze at their backs.
The Tribesmen emerged with renewed intensity after the restart, firing over three points without reply through Neary, goalkeeper Hoare and an O’Farrell free to keep themselves firmly in the contest. Hoare’s long-range accuracy grew in influence as UL’s intensity dipped and the underdogs mounted a sustained fightback.
Scores from Jack Leahy, McCarthy and Jack O’Neill briefly steadied UL, though a top-class save from Hoare denied McCarthy a potential match-clinching goal. That moment reignited Galway’s belief, and five unanswered points followed late on, including a superb Daniel Comar effort to draw the sides level at 0-16 to 1-13.
Just as extra-time appeared inevitable, Screeney once again produced something special, drilling an outstanding 50-metre shot from the sideline to edge UL back in front. Moments later, reigning Young Hurler of the Year McCarthy calmly slotted over the insurance point from a free. Despite Galway’s desperate final push for a decisive green flag, UL’s defence stood tall to seal their place in the final.
The University of Limerick will now look forward to a trip up the M7 to Croke Park next Friday night as they defend their title against neighbours Mary Immaculate College in an all-Treaty City final, with throw-in scheduled for 7.35.
Scorers – UL: D McCarthy 0-6 (6f), A Screeney 0-5, J O’Neill 0-3, A O’Connor 0-2, O O’Donoghue, J Leahy 0-1 each.
UG: S O’Farrell 0-5 (2f), D Neary 1-1, L Hoare 0-3 (3f), G Lee, D Comar, C Kileen, G Thomas 0-1 each.
UL: Darach Fahy; Conor Martin, Mark Fitzgerald, Aaron Morgan; Oisín Fitzgerald, Killian Doyle, Colin Coughlan; Joe Fitzgerald, Diarmuid Stritch; Jack O’Neill, Aidan O’Connor, Adam Screeney; Darragh McCarthy, Oisín O’Donoghue, Jack Leahy.
Subs: Jamie Ormond for Screeney (temp 46-49), Fintan Fitzgerald for Stritch (50).
UG: Liam Hoare; Joshua Ryan, Mark Hardiman, Patrick Taaffe; Fiachra Ó Brioin, Colm Cunningham, Daniel Comar; Cullen Killeen, Ian McGlynn; Sam O’Farrell, Gavin Lee, Liam Leen; Dan Bourke, Greg Thomas, Darragh Neary.
Subs: Tiarnan Leen for Bourke (inj. 33); Diarmuid Davoren for L Leen (blood, 43-46); Michael Molloy for L Leen (57).
Referee: Ciarán O’Regan (Cork).