DCU recapture Sigerson Cup afterMcGraynorsends over crucial point deep into extra time
IN THE end, the fate of the Sigerson Cup came down to the 80th minute of a pulsating encounter, with DCU’s Conor McGraynor kicking the winning score.
The Dublin college’s third title in seven years was hard-earned, as were all their earlier victories. When UCC sub Alan O’Donovan scored a goal in the 57th minute, it looked to have put Billy Morgan’s side within touching distance of a second consecutive title. They could have clinched it too as Conor Cox led a counter-attack with men over. Another goal was a possibility but Cox opted to go for a point and shot wide.
Given a reprieve, DCU forced a free from distance and goalkeeper Tadgh Lowe came up to send it between the uprights. By half-time in extra time, they had pushed 1-11 to 1-9 clear but it still wasn’t done.
Within 10 seconds of the throw-in to start the second period, UCC centre-back David Culhane seized possession and cut through to fire to the net to make it 2-9 to 1-11. Conor Daly levelled again for DCU, Kevin Davis put UCC back in front after 74 minutes.
That would prove to be their last score, however. Donal Smith fired another leveller and an additional extra-time period loomed. McGraynor put DCU ahead again but still there was time for UCC as they won a free.
Luke Connolly had been substituted a minute earlier but with the title on the line was sprung back into action. He had earlier kicked a 45 and had the distance again but the accuracy was just off and the ball slid just wide.
The first half of normal
time didn’t offer much in the way of excitement to the small crowd. The first six points were shared but then Cox scored twice to give UCC the biggest lead of the game up until then.
By half-time DCU had restored parity at 0-5 each and they forged 1-6 to 0-6 in front when Donal Wrynn goaled.
UCC responded well, with Connolly draining the aforementioned 45 and Gary O’Sullivan also pointing to bring them to within the minimum.
An equaliser looked elusive and when Conor Boyle put DCU two clear again it looked to be their title. It was in the end but O’Donovan’s goal ensured a nervy moment before extra time. UCC: M Martin; F McNamara (J Davis, h-t in e-t), J McGuire, P O’Connor; C Dorman, D Culhane, T Clancy; S Kiely, G O’Sullivan (É Ó Conchúir 50);
S Keane (K Davis 54), L Connolly (T Hickey 79), B O’Driscoll (A O’Donovan 29, inj (S White 59, BC); P Geaney (Connolly 80), C Cox, D Harrington. Scorers: A O’Donovan 1-1, D Culhane 1-0, C Cox 0-3 (0-1f), C Dorman, G O’Sullivan, T Clancy, S Keane, L Connolly (45), K Davis 0-1 each. DCU: T Lowe; J Smith, C Boyle, C Daly; C Begley, D Ward (M Quinn h-t), C Moynagh; E O’Connor (N Murphy 69), S O’Brien; D O’Connor (R Connor 43 inj (E Smith e-t, T Lahiffe 78), D Wrynn (S Carey 53, Meredith 62, BC), C Meredith, (B Donnelly 53); C McHugh (D Smith ht), C McGraynor, E Smith (S McCoy 58). Scorers: D Wrynn 1-1, E O’Connor, E Smith, C McHugh (fs), T Lowe (fs) 02 each, C Boyle, C Daly, C McGraynor, D Smith, S O’Brien 0-1 each. RefeRee: Eddie Kinsella (Laois)