UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK CLAIM CROWLEY CUP

Mar 15

Mar 15 UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK CLAIM CROWLEY CUP AND UCC LIFT DUGGAN

CHAMPIONS: UL claimed the Irish Universities Crowley Cup for the first time in their history

THERE was a Munster clean-up at DCU Sportsgrounds in Dublin yesterday (Wed) when University of Limerick lifted the Irish Universities Crowley Cup while UCC claimed the Duggan Cup.

In wet and blustery conditions UCC cruised to a facile six-nil triumph over hosts DCU in the Duggan Cup - the trophy for defeated Crowley Cup teams - with captain David Adebeyo leading the goals glut with an excellent hat-trick.

BY EAMON SCOTT

Josh Robers, Eddie Roche Kenneally and Matteo Regnar also found the net for Cork in a game the Munstermen dominated from start to finish.

The team managed by Derek O'Gorman and Ross Broekhuizen played some excellent football with skipper Adebeyo at the heart of much of their stunning performance.

The University of Limerick's triumph was one of genuine 'student power' who self-managed with the support of the college with a first ever success in this competition.

University of Limerick fell behind to a Callum Arkins opener for Maynooth University when his angled drive beat diving Eoin O'Donnell after just four minutes for a perfect start for the Kildare college.

UL however were back on level terms in the 18th minute following a brilliantly executed strike from Dylan Moriarty. His pivot and dipping volley from outside the box on the right hand side proved too potent for Maynooth's Peter Brennan as the ball flew to the top of the net.

Maynooth's cause was not helped by the 31st minute dismissal of Jeb McKiese for an off the ball infringement.

Dylan Moriarty raises his arms in triumph after netting the winning goal in the Crowley Cup final.

The Kildare college resorted to a route one approach at the start of the second period but Moriarty came up trumps with a 53rd minute goal when he outpaced Ade Ojuldare to drill past Brennan for the second time.

Moriarty was named Player of the Tournament but the UL defence also had their heroes in Cillian Redmond and Eoghan Burke in the heart of the back four who were immense while goalkeeper Sean McEvoy made some crucial saves as Maynooth pushed hard to bring the tie to extratime.

Referee Collie Duffy's shrill final whistle sparked wild scenes of delight for the playing squad as the Limerick university celebrated Crowley Cup joy for the first time in their history with a proud captain Evan Tobin receiving the fabled trophy from Irish Universities Football Union Chairman Ray O'Malley.