NUI Galway take win as nasty injury forces Sigerson Cup clash to be called to a halt
Despite seeing their game against Ulster University halted before time had fully elapsed, NUI Galway have progressed to face Queen’s University in the second round of the Sigerson Cup.
There was 58 minutes gone on the clock when substitute Sean Mulkerrins suffered a worrying-looking knee injury. With an ambulance taking more than half an hour to arrive, it was agreed amongst the teams that NUIG would be awarded a two-point victory.
Given the tight schedule of the competition – and the fact this wasn’t a straight knock-out affair – this was perhaps a sensible solution for both parties.
In the early moments, points from Down duo Seamus Loughran and Andrew Gilmore got the ball rolling for Ulster University.
Team captain Matthew Tierney and Mayo attacker Conroy responded at the far end for NUIG, before the lively Gilmore rattled the net at the end of a superb run in the 10th-minute.
Two points to the good at the first half water break, Ulster University added a second major through full-forward Niall Laughlin to lead 2-4 to 0-5 at the interval.
NUIG had introduced Galway’s Sean Kelly in advance of the break, however, and his energetic presence made a difference to their cause.
By the third-quarter mark, Tomo Culhane (a brace), Tierney and substitute Cathal Sweeney had all found the range.
Gilmore got Ulster University’s solo score in this juncture, but – after another Tierney free had left the bare minimum between the sides – Kelly ruthlessly fired home at the end of a sweeping move to edge NUIG in front for the very first time.
Although is difficult to determine how the game might have panned out if the remaining minutes had been played, a strong second-half display does bode well for the Galway outfit heading into a difficult assignment against Queen’s.
T Culhane (0-4, 4f); M Tierney (0-3, 3f); S Kelly (1-0); T Conroy, C Heneghan, C Sweeney (0-1 each).
A Gilmore (1-2, 1f); N Loughlin (1-0); R Gormley, K Gallagher, S Loughran (0-1 each).
C Carroll (Oranmore/Maree); C Murray (Mountbellew/Moylough), N Mulcahy (Moycullen), G Burke (Corofin); R Egan (Edenderry), E Kelly (Moycullen), C Monaghan (Oughterard); M Tierney (Oughterard), C Marren (Tourlestrane); P Kelly (Moycullen), T Conroy (Neale), N Mullen (Mullinabreena); C Heneghan (Glavey’s), T Culhane (Salthill/Knocknacarra), T Gill (Corofin).
S Kelly (Moycullen) for Marren (23), C Sweeney (Claregalway) for Gill (32), F McDonagh (Westport) for Mullen (37), S Mulkerrins (Aran) for Monaghan (43).
O Lynch (Magherafelt); R Boyle (Truagh), F McElroy (Longstone), A Clarke (Omagh); M Gallagher (Trillick), M McKernan (Coalisland), R Jones (Dungannon); T Galligan (Lacken), R Gormley (Strabane); P McLarnon (Magherafelt), M McKearney (Dungannon), K Gallagher (Emyvale); S Loughran (Ballyholland), N Loughlin (Greenlough), A Gilmore (St John’s).
D McElhill (O’Donovan Rossa) for Jones (37), Liam Nugent (Rock) for Loughran (44), David Mulgrew (Ardboe) for Gormley (54).
P Maguire (Longford).