A big win for the men of south Dublin.
UCD got an early run on UCC in the Mardyke in their Fitzgibbon Cup group game on Wednesday and the travelling side didn’t give the competition’s kingpins a sniff from there to the game’s end.
Lively left-handed corner forward Tom Phelan netted past Jack Barry as early as the third minute, and the Kilkenny sniper’s three pointer handed them an initiative they wouldn’t relinquish.
UCC, fresh from a resounding victory in their first round clash with neighbours CIT last week were expected to do the business again in this one.
With some of the best young inter-county hurlers in their ranks, such as Darragh Fitzgibbon, Mark Coleman, Shane Kingston, Michael Breen, Conor Browne and Robbie O’Flynn – Tom Kingston’s charges went in as favourites to win this game and secure a home quarter final.
There were some changes on their starting team. Robbie O’Flynn, Sean Hayes, Richard Cahalane, Chris O’Leary and Eddie Gunning all lined out.
Not on UCD’s watch. Not on DJ Foran’s, James Maher’s or Tom Phelan’s watch.
These boys weren’t making the near three hour journey down to the south east of the country for the good of their health. They were here to make a mark. They were here to show that despite the parting of their manager Nicky English after last year’s campaign – there’s still life in this side.
Smashing day in Cork! We're in the @MardykeArenaUCC all set for @UCDGAA v's @ucc_gaa in the @HigherEdGAA Fitzgibbon Cup! #COYBIB pic.twitter.com/enRlt2GSxJ
— UCD Sport (@ucdsportsclubs) January 24, 2018
JJ Doyle’s charges had a point to prove after an underwhelming league campaign. They more than proved it, because despite UCC’s home advantage, they couldn’t match the away side’s hunger.
DJ Foran was unerring from placed balls and from play, the Waterford forward ending his day with ten points. Limerick’s rising star Seamus Flanagan contributed handsomely as did Tipperary giant Stephen Quirke.
The side’s Offaly captain Podge Guinan led by example in defence.
In the end, it was a five point win for the away men.
FULL TIME Fitzgibbon Cup Group A Round 2: @UCC_GAA 0-13 (13) @UCDGAA 1-15 (18) #FitzgibbonCup
— RedFM Sport (@BigRedBench) January 24, 2018
There’s life in UCD yet.
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