O’Shea on the double to lead UCC into decider

KERRY senior star Sean O’Shea was in red-hot scoring form in Mallow to help UCC see off the challenge of a spirited NUIG side and book their place in the final.

O’Shea (left) netted with a brace of early finishes to put his side in command, while fellow Kerryman Conor Geaney also pointed.

Playing at centre-forward, O’Shea went on to add another three points – two from frees.

However, NUIG responded well, with points from free-taker Michael

Daly and Jack Robinson, cutting the gap to 2-3 to 0-8 at the break.

And NUIG edged in front on the resumption when a rasper from John Maher found the back of the net.

Their celebrations were shortlived, though, as Eimhin Courtney netted for UCC just moments later, with the Cork college going on to build up a five-point lead.

Further frees from Daly reduced the arrears to just a single score with less than ten minutes remaining.

But Geaney netted a fourth UCC goal and despite a final late onslaught from NUIG, the Cork side were not to be denied as they booked a final date with St Mary’s.

UCC’s clinical finishing proved the difference, and their goal threat will be a concern for Mary’s.