Independent.ie Sigerson Cup Quarter-Final

UCD 1-18 UUJ 0-9

By Orla Bannon

It was all a bit easier than expected for Sigerson Cup champions UCD, who dominated the second half to fdefeat 13-man University of Ulster at Jordanstown.

There were lots of positives for the holders, with Dublin's Paul Mannion top-scoring with 0-7 and Monaghan's Conor McCarthy and Andy McDonnell also scoring heavily in a powerful second half.

The only disappointment for UCD was the dismissal of Dublin forward Colm Basquel to a red card after his tussle with Derry defender Gareth McKinless midway through the second half.

The first half was of immense quality and fast tempo, with both teams scoring fine points from play whilst under extreme pressure.

They were level five times in the opening half, at the end of which visitors UCD led by 0-8 to 0-7. UU failed to get going in the second half and the holders hit 1-8 without reply.

Monaghan's Conor McCarthy scored the only goal in the 56th minute, but the game was already over with UCD making hay against the wind in the second period.

UU made poor use of the wind advantage, only scoring two points after the break, and just one from play.

They lost their discipline too, with Gareth McKinless (two yellows) and Ronan McNamee (straight red) sent off.

The home side started really well and Paddy McBrearty was sharp up front for UU hitting 0-4, including two from play. Eoin McHugh and Ryan McAnespie also scored fine points into the wind.

Mannion put man marker McKinless under extreme pressure. UU just never showed up for the second half. They struggled with their kickouts and Kerry's Jack Barry was influential for UCD.

They raced away with it in the third quarter, Louth's Andy McDonnell on song and Meath's Eamonn Wallace also landing a brace. UCD grew stronger and more purposeful, and the goal put the gloss on a comfortable win.

With four minutes of normal time remaining, Conor McCarthy was put clean through the middle of the home defence and tucked the ball low beyond Sean Fox.

Scorers for UCD: P Mannion 0-7 (6fs), C McCarthy 1-2, A McDonnell 0-4, E Wallace 0-2, C Mullally, J Barry 0-1 each, B McGinn 0-1 (f).

Scorers for UU: P McBrearty 0-5 (3fs), E Rafferty, R Brennan, R McAnespie, E McHugh 0-1 each.

UCD: C Honan (Meath); E Murchin (Dublin), M Fitzsimons (Dublin), N McInerney (Roscommon); C Mullaly (Dublin), S Coen (Mayo), J McCaffrey (Dublin); B O'Sullivan (Kerry); J Barry (Kerry); A McDonnell (Louth), C McCarthy (Monaghan), E Wallace (Meath); P Mannion (Dublin), C Basquel (Dublin), L Moran (Longford).

Subs: J Rossiter (Wexford) for McInerney (HT), B McGinn (Monaghan) for Moran (HT), T Hayes (Cavan) for McDonnell (56), S O'Dea (Limerick) for Wallace (55), E Lowry (Laois) for McCarthy (58).

UU: S Fox (Tyrone); R Brennan (Tyrone), R McNamee (Tyrone), M McEvoy (Derry); R McHugh (Donegal), G McKinless (Derry), S Sheridan (Armagh); N McKeever (Antrim), F Burns (Tyrone); T O'Brien (Derry), E Rafferty (Armagh), E McHugh (Donegal); P McBrearty (Donegal), R McAnespie (Monaghan), M Bradley (Tyrone).

Subs: E Donnelly (Fermanagh) for Rafferty (43), T Clarke (Fermanagh) for E McHugh (54).

REFEREE: Padraig Hughes (Armagh).

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At the DCU Sportsgrounds St Mary's won a thrilling encounter, defeating DCU by 2-14 to 2-13 after extra-time.

Two Enda Smith goals for DCU ensured the game was level at the end of normal time, 2-10 to 1-13 after Oisin O'Neill netted for Mary's, who trailed by four in the closing stages.

But Mary's eventually shaded a gripping batle with Brian Og McGilligan pouncing for a vital goal at the start of extra-time as DCU were defeated.

Wednesday evening's encounter also required extra-time with UCC overcoming the spirited challenge of IT Carlow on a 0-10 to 1-6 scoreline with Brian O'Driscoll supplying the decisive score. Michael Hurley had scored a goal for IT Carlow, but UCC eked out a win.

UCC will now face St Mary's on Friday, February 17 in what should be an interesting Independent.ie Sigerson Cup Semi-Final.