UL 3-18 UUJ 3-7:UNIVERSITY OF Limerick set up a mouth-watering quarter-final with UCC next week with a comfortable win over UUJ at the Ros Glas grounds in Monasterevin yesterday.
The Shannonsiders began well with Noel Ó Murchadha clipping over two points, and goals from Matt Ruth and Offaly star Shane Dooley gave them a comfortable lead.
Jordanstown fought valiantly and had some outstanding performers in half-backs Aaron Graffan and Neil McCauley, but UL’s strength in depth was evidenced by the fact they were able to introduce Offaly sharpshooter Brian Carroll at the break. The Coolderry man landed a wonderful point from the middle of the field, while David Burke added a goal and five points in the second half.
It might have been worse for the Ulster men but for the heroics of goalkeeper Chris O’Connell who produced two phenomenal saves from Dooley. In attack though, they were reliant on Antrim marksman Neil McManus, who registered all of his side’s scores. He struck for two late goals including one from a delightful drop-puck to put a deserved better gloss on the final scoreline.
UL:T Lowry; P Stapleton, M Malone, M Verney; M Walsh (0-1), J Devane, D Hayden; S Hickey, M Whelan; N Ó Murchadha (0-2), T Connors, D Burke (1-6, three frees); A Quinn (0-1), M Ruth (1-2), S Dooley (1-3). Subs:R O'Dwyer for Connors, B Carroll (0-1) for Ó Murchadha (both half-time), L Ryan for Devane (40 mins), M Heffernan (0-1) for Quinn (44 mins), J Brennan (0-1) for Ruth (54 mins).
UUJ:C O'Connell; M Burke, S Henry, K Maxwell; A Graffan, N McCauley, S McRory; S McNicholl, D Hamill; P McGlade, N McManus (3-7, three points from frees, one 65), B Ennis; P Maguire, K Sheerin, P Henry. Subs:J Hughes for Burke (42 mins), R Mulqueen for P Henry (47 mins); T McAllister for Maxwell (55 mins).
Referee:C Broome (Offaly)
