Dermot Earley gave an inspired performance at midfield to guide IT Galway to a shock three points win over University of Limerick in Limerick yesterday.
Playing against a stiff breeze, Limerick had the better of the first half and it was 18 minutes before John McCafferty got Galway's first score.
After the break, however, Limerick seemed to lose their way and, with Earley dominating and receiving support from John O'Brien and Conor O'Shea, Galway assumed command.
IT Galway: M Burke; N Connolly, M Kelly D Reynolds; I Earley, J O'Brien, P J McGinley; D Earley (0-4), R Hanick; P Barden, C O'Shea (0-2), J Bergin (0-1); B Dooney, J McCafferty (0-4), K Comer (0-1).
UL: B Murphy; G Stack, J Kelleher, B Fitzgerald; B Ruane (0-1), D Harrington, M Lennon; J Sugrue, M Bourke; D Kelly, P Buckley, M Fitzpatrick (0-6); K Malone (0-1), A McGearailt (0-1), D O'Brien. Subs: J Golden for Buckley (39 mins), D O'Sullivan for O'Brien (36 mins).
Referee: K Walsh (Clare)
