UCC 2-10 Limerick IT 1-11: The Davy Fitzgerald-coached Limerick IT relinquished their grip on their Datapac Fitzgibbon Cup trophy - won for the first time last season - on their own ground yesterday, when UCC finished on a high to book their place in the next stage.
The exceptionally large attendance was treated to a feast of hurling as both sides enjoyed their moments of supremacy.
LIT had the better start - with points from Brian Gaffney (2) and Donal O'Reilly in the opening eight minutes - and with Mike O'Brien and Ger McGrath playing well at midfield their prospects looked good.
However, the tide turned on 14 minutes when Ronan Conway found the net for UCC. And with James Fitzpatrick and Paul Murray firing over points, they went on to lead 1-6 to 0-6 at the interval.
LIT, without their injured Tipperary star Eoin Kelly, rallied in the third quarter and looked on their way to victory after Galway county player Iarlaith Tannain hit a marvellous goal to put them three points ahead, 1-10 to 1-7.
Concentration levels dropped, however, and they were caught off guard 30 seconds later when Mark O'Connor levelled with an equally fine strike.
In a very tight finish, Fitzpatrick (2) and O'Sullivan delivered the match-winning scores for UCC - with just one in reply from James Flynn.
UCC: E Martin; J Kennyson, D McSweeney, D Coady; S O'Neill, P Murray (0-1), K Hartnett; S O'Sullivan (0-1), T Kenny (0-1); R Conway (1-0), M Rice, E Hanley; J Fitzpatrick (0-5), M O'Connor (1-2), P O'Brien.
LIT: S Hawes; C Moloney, J Coen, E Collins; D Morrissey, J Flynn (0-2), M O'Brien; S McGrath, J Clancy; D O'Reilly (0-2), I Tannain (1-2), S Tierney; B Gaffney (0-2), J McInerney, N Healy (0-2). Sub: C Earlie (0-1) for Healy.
Referee: J McDonnell (Tipperary).
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