NUIM: 2 -11
UCC: 2-08
NUI MAYNOOTH have suffered heartache at this stage of the Sigerson Cup in recent years but yesterday they finally got a taste of glory as they defeated UCC to qualify for their first final since 1976.
The Kildare side, lining out in their county colours, were the underdogs going into this clash with the defending champions, despite knocking out a strong UCD side in the quarter finals.
An early goal from Mark Collins suggested that the favourites might just run away with the match but Maynooth stuck their heads down an battled back to take a one point lead into the break.
They started the second half in scintillating fashion and goals from Michael Newman and David Quinn helped them race into an eight point lead.
Cork were not going to relinquish their title without a fight and they rallied in the final quarter. A goal from John Buckley brought them right back into the match.
UCC rattled off four unanswered points to reduce the deficit to just two with six minutes remaining but Maynooth were in no mood to be denied. Points from Paul Cahillane and Michael Newman ensured Maynooth gained the victory they deserved.
UCC manager Billy Morgan was fuming after a late point was called wide by the umpires but his side’s second goal appeared to be saved by Maynooth keeper Shane Connolly.
Maynooth coach Seán Cotter expressed his sides’ joy at finally reaching the final after their third attempt. “For two years in a row we have lost in semi finals and there was no way we were going to come down here and be beaten,” he said.
They were expecting UCC to come out fighting in the second half but were determined to hang on for the win. “We knew UCC would throw the kitchen sink at us in the second half and they gave us a bit of a scare but we came back. We threw the bath at them and all,” he added!
NUIM manager John Divilly won an All-Ireland medal with Galway in 1998 and is the only person involved with the team to have a Sigerson medal. He told his side after the game that he wants that to change today. It will be tough against DCU but after all the heartache of recent years, today may just be their day.
Scorers – NUIM: M Newman 1-4 (3f); D Quinn 1-1; P Cahillane 0-2; S Hurley 0-2; S Denvir 0-1; T Moolick 0-1. UCC: S O’Brien 1-1; M Collins 1-1 (1f), B O'Driscoll 0-2 (1 '45'); P Geaney 0-1; M Reen 0-1; J Buckley 0-1; K O'Driscoll 0-1.
NUIM: S Connolly; D Dalton; K O'Brien; K Lynch; T Moolick; J McDermott; S Denvir; C Berrigan; C Brophy; M Newman; S Hurley; C Mullins (S O’Hanlon 47); P Cahillane; J Califf (O’Griofa 40); D Quinn (S Fahey 57).
Referee: S Carroll (Westmeath).
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