Champs book a semi-final spot
DkIT 2-14
Limerick IT 1-9
THE students of DkIT passed a major test in their quest to defend their Trench Cup crown last week, battling to an impressive eightpoint win over Limerick IT.
Nerves were frayed as the team travelled to Limerick IT Sports Grounds which is overlooked by Munster’s Thomond Park.
At the match line-up it did not look promising for DkIT as they stood alongside their Golliath-like opponents, but after 10 minutes the game was finely poised at 1-6 to 1-3 in DkIT’s favour.
The goal was an incredible team goal finished off by Tadhg McEnaeney, while an inspirational captain’s point from 45 yards on his weak side from Kieran Duffy was the pick of the DkIT points.
The visitors seized the initiative in the second quarter with Gerard McSorley and Tadgh McEnaeney bagging 1-5 between them as the defending champs retired at half-time with a comfortable 2-11 to 1-5 lead.
The champions were much more cautious after the break and needed some defensive he- roics from John Smith and Colm Meegan to keep Limerick at arm’s length.
Despite good possession in the first 10 minutes of the second half, LIT only secured three scores and this seemed to frustrate the home team and their discipline deserted them as they lost two men to red cards
Points from Eunan Walsh and Robbie Curran put the issue beyond any doubt, but there was late drama as the visitors were reduced to 14-men.
DkIT will now take on Blanchardstown IT in the semi-finals this weekend at the Connacht Centre of Excellence just outside Castlebar.
DKIT: Joe O’Donughue(Cavan),Colm Meegan(Monaghan), John Smith (Meath), Caolian McElwain (Monaghan), Eunan Walsh 0-1 (Antrim), Kieran Duffy 0-1(Monaghan), Aidan Reilly (Cavan) Shane McElroy (Monaghan), Paul Gilchrist (Cavan), Dean Maguire (Louth), Gerard McSorley 1-3 (Louth), Donal Meegan (Monaghan), Alan McCahey (Monaghan), Tadhg McEnaeney 1-6 (Louth), Conor Doherty 0-1 (Donegal). Subs: Johnny Lynch (Meath), Jordan O Donughue (Louth), Ciaran Bellew (Louth), Pauric Keenan (Monaghan), Eddie Markey (Monaghan), Terry Donegan (Louth), Stephen Kerr (Monaghan), Niall Keenan (Monaghan), Niall Kearns (Monaghan), Emmet Kirk (Louth), Robbie Curran (Louth).