Farquhar Cup Final

DCU 1 UNIVERSITY OF GALWAY 0

Serion Qeleposhi an inspires second half substitute by DCU boss Johnny McDonnell scored the only goal of a closely fought game shortly after coming on to see the Glasnevin side claim the Irish Universities Farquhar Cup in a closely fought final against the University of Galway at Larne FC’s splendid Inver Park Stadium.

The first half was a very cagy affair with very few chances but when DCU’s Sean Niland did manage to get the better of Galway defender James Turkington his finish was just outside the post.

Galway’s best chance fell to Eoin McSweeney on the hour but his header from close in went straight into goalkeeper Cian Harkin’s hands.

The deadlock was finally broken on 67 minutes with the DCU goal that finally settled the game.

A surging burst forward by Sean Heaney and a neat pass to Max Kelly caught the Galway defenders off guard.

Kelly’s fine lay off found the inrushing Qeleposhi who took two touches to steady himself and coolly beat goalkeeper Cian Basquille with a low finish.

Player of the match: David Blake (DCU).

DCU: Cian Harkin; Brian McDaid, Ryan Smith, Cian O’Malley, David Blake; Ronan Sands, Sean Heaney; Sean Niland, Caleb Gyasi, Max Kelly, Owen Benson Subs: Serion Qeleposhi (for Benson 58), Cathal McMahon (for Gyasi 82), Adam Balmer (for Smith 85). Not used: Fionn Kenny, Jamie Doherty, Tom Bourke.

University of Galway: Cian Basquile; Ronan Bambara, Rian Kelly, James Turkington, Luke O’Gorman; Caifhionn O’Dea, Stephen Healy; Sheagh O’Connor, Victor Udeze, Lewis Waweru, Eoin McSweeney. Subs: Eoin Dempsey (for Bambara 40), Rob Silke (for Udeze 69), Ronan Jennings (for Healy 72), Evan Duggan (Kelly 82). Not used: Cian Murray, Jake Begley Tom Meehan.

Referee: David McCartney

Assistants: Aaron Rainey, Liam Kennedy Fourth Official: Keith Halliday