Supplementing a 0-7 haul from the dependable Cillian Dunne, substitute Cian Boran (1-1) and Cathal Beirne (0-4) also made fine scoring contributions to ensure DCU’s progression into the knockout phase.

Colm Fogarty and Cillian Hackett flew the flag throughout for Maynooth, but the Kildare-based side will now need a win from their final group game against TUS Midwest in order to compete in the Fitzgibbon knockout rounds.

Whereas Maynooth were beginning their campaign for 2025, DCU already had a Fitzgibbon Cup game under their belts heading into this contest. The Metropolitan looked set to claim a narrow victory over Midwest at Moylish last Thursday, before a brace of late points from their opponents meant that they were forced for a settle for a share of the spoils at 1-18 apiece.

Eager to go a step further in their sole home game of Group C, DCU stormed four points clear inside the opening two minutes after a white flag effort from Darragh Carley was supplemented by a goal on the run by wing-back Sam Bourke. While Maynooth responded brightly with back-to-back scores courtesy of Hackett and goalkeeper Niall Holland, DCU quickly reinforced their authority with six unanswered points via the sticks of Beirne (two), Joe Flanagan, Colin Spain, Dunne and the aforementioned Carley.

Even though Darragh Queally and Colm Fogarty (three) found the target in style for Maynooth, Dunne (three) and Donal Shirley were doing likewise for the home team at the far end. A Hackett goal on 22 minutes did breathe fresh life into their opponents, but DCU nonetheless brought a commanding 1-14 to 1-8 cushion into the break.

The Dublin college subsequently moved seven points in front on the resumption – Paddy Langton, Flanagan, Peter Clarke and Dunne being amongst those to keep the scoreboard ticking over – but Maynooth gave themselves a fighting chance of success when the influential Fogarty drilled a 44th minute penalty to the net in clinical fashion.

Yet DCU didn’t panic and after turning sharply close to the opposition posts, substitute Boran fired a low shot beyond the reach of Holland for their second goal just past the third-quarter mark.

Maynooth continued to battle gamely with the likes of Eamonn Cunneen, Tommy Maher and Harry Shine finding the range at various times. Yet with Dunne, Billy Reid, Beirne and Doran all knocking over points in the closing moments of action – a period that also saw Maynooth midfielder Finn Hogan being sent off for a second yellow card offence – DCU ultimately prevailed on a five-point winning margin.

Scorers for DCU: C Dunne (0-7, 5f), C Boran (1-1), C Beirne (0-4), S Bourke (1-0), D Carley, J Flanagan (0-2 each), P Langton, B Reid, D Shirley, C Spain, D Walsh, P Clarke (0-1 each).

Scorers for Maynooth University: C Fogarty (1-5, 1-0 pen, 0-3f), C Hackett (1-2), E Cunneen (0-3), N Holland (0-2, 2f), T Maher (0-2), F Hogan, D Queally, H Shine (0-1 each).

DCU: C Byrne; D Kehoe, P Moylan, P Lennon; S Bourke, P Langton, B Reid; D Shirley, C Spain; C Beirne, J Carroll, D Carley; J Flanagan, D Walsh, C Dunne.

Subs: P Clarke for Shirley (h-t), C Boran for Walsh (40), D O’Meara for Moylan (45), C Kehoe for Carroll (50), C Dolan for Lennon (52-55, blood), Lennon for Kehoe (55).

MAYNOOTH UNIVERSITY: N Holland; M Donnelly, D Maher, C Phelan; D McCahey, A Hickey, C O’Toole; F Hogan, E Cunneen; T Maher, C Fogarty, D Queally; C Hackett, J Connolly, D Fogarty.

Subs: H Shine for Connolly (22), B Og Curran for D Fogarty (44).

Referee: E Furlong (Wexford).