Ulster University recover from early deficit to overcome Sigerson Cup champions UCC
Sigerson Cup round 1: Ulster University 1-13 UCC 1-10
Ulster University recovered from an early five-point deficit to defeat reigning champions UCC in the opening round of the Sigerson Cup at the National Games Development Centre in Abbotstown.
Although Niall Loughlin and Conor Cush found the range in a positive start to the action for the northerners, Billy Morgan’s UCC subsequently flexed their muscles courtesy of unanswered points by Fionn Herlihy, Darragh Hayes, Sean O’Connor and Killian Falvey.
UCC created significant daylight when O’Connor rose highest to punch a ball from Sean Quilter to the net on 20 minutes, but with Loughlin, Ruairi Canavan (two) and Cush kicking points to supplement a terrific goal from corner-forward Danny Fullerton, Ulster University dramatically brought a 1-7 to 1-5 lead into the interval.
Though UCC remained in contention on the restart, Ulster University found themselves four points to the good after Ben McCarron and Canavan split the uprights either side of the final-quarter.
Ulster University netminder Ronan McGeehin came to the rescue of his side with a superb save from UCC substitute Conor Daly after O’Connor had brought his tally up to 1-3, but a brace of Cush points offered them breathing space once again.
Quilter and Cathal O’Beaglaoich scores left UCC with a fighting chance late on, but Ulster University held out for a morale-boosting victory.
While the Leesiders will have a chance to get the defence of their title back on track in a forthcoming clash against ATU Galway, Ulster University will be full of confidence when they take on UCD later this month.
Scorers – Ulster University: C Cush 0-4 (1 ‘45’), D Fullerton 1-0, N Loughlin 0-3, R Canavan 0-3 (1f), B McCarron 0-2 (2f), R Magill 0-1. UCC: S O’Connor 1-3, S Quilter 0-3 (3f), F Herlihy, K Falvey, D Hayes, C O’Beaglaoich 0-1 each.
ULSTER UNIVERSITY: R McGeehin; D Curran, R Boyle, S Donaghy; J Largo Ellis, R Magill, P Og McCartan; J Cunningham, O McCann; B McCarron, C Diamond, C Cush; D Fullerton, N Loughlin, R Canavan. Subs: R McCaffrey for Cunningham (37), E Magee for McCartan, A McParland for Fullerton (both 49), D Canavan for Diamond (59), A McAleese for McCann (61).
UCC: D Foley; N Lordan, A Dineen, D Peet; M Cooper, D Bourke, D Phelan; B Curtin, C O’Beaglaoich; E O’Sullivan, F Herlihy, K Falvey; S Quilter, D Hayes, S O’Connor.
Subs: C Daly for O’Sullivan, D O’Callaghan for Peet (both 45), C Hayes for D Hayes (54), D Dorgan for Falvey, C Kenneally for Phelan (both 59).
Referee: B Tiernan (Dublin).