O’Donovan inspires NUIG

NUIG led all the way as they saw off UCC at the Mardyke yesterday to reach the Sigerson Cup semi-finals.

Leading by 1-4 to 0-0 before their hosts got off the mark, NUIG never allowed their lead to fall below four points in the second half, even after going down to 14 men.

UCC gave themselves a chance when they won an injury-time penalty, but sub goalkeeper Maghnus Breathnach – on for the black-carded Tadgh O’Malley – saved from Killian Spillane and Céin D’Arcy’s point ensured victory for the visitors.

Brian Donovan’s 17th- minute goal put NUIG 1-3 to 0-0 ahead, with Peter Cook and D’Arcy excellent in midfield. Wing-forward Enda Tierney and wing-back Kieran Molloy also impressed as they led 1-4 to 0-2 at half-time, Stephen Sherlcok with the UCC points. The dismissal of Aaron O’Connor forced NUIG to defend deeply, but they refused to wilt.

Scorers – NUIG: B Donovan 1-1, Enda Tierney 0-3, CD’ Ar cy 0-2, K Mol loy, A Gallagher (f) ,O Gallagher 0-1 each. UCC: SS her lock0-5(3f ), KC rowley, K Spillane 0-1 each.

NU I G–TO’ M alley; S Brennan, S Mul kerrin, A O’Connor; K Molloy, R Greene, GO’ Kelly-Lynch; C D’Arcy, P Cooke; A Gallagher, O Gallagher, E Tierney; B Donovan, D Comer, S Kelly. Subs: E Finnerty for O Gallagher (47), R O’Toole for Donovan (47), C Kelly for O’Kelly Lymch (52), M Breathnach for O’Malley (60, black card).

U CC–E O’ Brien; F Clifford, J Foley, M Mc Sweeney; BÓ Beaglaoich, K Crowley, C Kiely; J Kennedy, A Barry; R Buckley, A Spillane, K Flahive; CD organ, K Spillane, S Sherlock. Subs: DO’ Brien for Clifford (20), P Lucey for Buckley (27), GO’ Sullivan for Flahive (49), C Bambury for Kiely (52).

REF – J Hickey (Carlow).