DCU 2-13 IT Carlow 3-10
2020 finalists IT Carlow were held to a draw by DCU at the end of an entertaining Group B clash at St Clare’s, but this was enough to secure them a spot in the knockout rounds of the Fitzgibbon Cup.
Despite overcoming a seven-point deficit to claim a share of the spoils, this result simultaneously eliminated DCU from the competition.
Thanks to goals from Martin Kavanagh and half-back Niall Brassil – the latter coming off a speculative long-distance free – IT Carlow were 2-4 to 0-3 in front by the 21st-minute. Unanswered points courtesy of Ross Banville (three) and Jim Ryan ensured it was a positive end to the opening period for DCU, however, and a Richie Lawlor goal got them back on level terms immediately after the resumption.
Although they briefly trailed their determined opponents, DJ Carey’s IT Carlow looked set for a convincing win when a Seamus Casey goal helped them to move six points clear inside the final-quarter. A three-pointer from substitute Sean Currie sparked a late revival from DCU, but it wasn’t to be for Eoin Roche’s men.
Scorers – DCU: R Banville 0-8 (8f), R Lawlor, S Currie 1-0 each, D McBride, D Grey, J Bergin, D Blanchfield, J Ryan 0-1 each. IT Carlow: M Kavanagh 1-7 (1-0 pen, 0-5f), N Brassil (f), S Casey 1-0, C Dunbar 0-2, C Nolan 0-1.
DCU – E Gibbons; N Murphy, A Dunphy, K Burke; D McBride, C Murphy, D Grey; E Murphy, M O’Connell; R Hayes, J Bergin, D Blanchfield; R Banville, C Brennan, J Ryan. Subs: R Lawlor for Brennan (h-t), S Currie for Blanchfield, C Clancy for Ryan (both 50).
IT CARLOW – A Howlin; F Hayes, P Delaney, A Redmond; J Cleere, J Kelly, N Brassil; C Dunbar, C Kenny; E Gaughan, M Kavanagh, S Casey; R Higgins, C Nolan, T Keyes. Subs: J Roche for Cleere (h-t).
Referee: J Owens (Wexford).