Inspirational Treacy gives DIT a vital edge

DIT 1-15 UL 0-15: A first-half goal from David Treacy proved to the deciding factor at Parnells GAA Club yesterday afternoon, as DIT withstood a strong challenge from University of Limerick for a vital victory in Group D.

The Dublin outfit moved into an early three-point lead thanks to well-taken points from the inspirational Treacy (two) and Michael Moloney.

UL responded well and kept in touch for the rest of the opening half thanks to points from corner forward Kieran Morris (4), John Fitzgibbon and former Tipp star Paul Kelly.

But scores by Jack Hobbs, Moloney, Treacy and Niall Quinn ensured DIT led 1-8 to 0-8 at the interval.

The introduction of Jonathan Glynn reinvigorated UL, and points from the Galway panellist, Kelly and Adrian Ryan (two) restored parity, before a Páraic Walsh score gave the four-time winners the lead for the first time.

A second point from the impressive Thomas Connolly levelled matters again but the influential Glynn scored a stunning point 14 minutes from time. UL’s expected finishing flourish never came, and scores in the final quarter from Moloney (2), Connolly, Willie Cullen and Quinn gave DIT a surprise triumph.

DIT: F McGarry; J Divney, G McManus, C O’Shaughnessy; D Curran, L Rushe, K Bergin; S O’Connor, S Morris; S Ryan, M Moloney (0-4, 3f), N Quinn (0-3); D Treacy (1-3), T Connolly (0-3), J Hobbs (0-1). Subs: W Cullen (0-1) for Ryan (34), J McManus for Hobbs (46), L Prendergast for Morris (55).

UL: N McGrath; M Carmody, P Stapleton, P Ryan; G Brennan, C Ryan, J Gallagher; M Fennelly, S Golden; J Fitzgibbon (0-2), A Ryan (0-2), P Walsh (0-1); K Morris (0-5, 4f), P Kelly (0-3), D Butler. Subs: J Glynn (0-2) for Butler (ht), E Murphy for Walsh (47). Referee: C Browne (Galway).