Adam Hogan, Daithi Lohan, Diarmuid Ryan, Shane Meehan, Diarmuid Cahill, Podge Collins. Photograph: Kieran Keating
MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE claimed their third ever Fitzgibbon Cup title with Clare players helping them on their way.
A 2-14 1-15 win saw the Podge Collins coached Mary I end the University of Limerick’s bid for a three in a row. Podge’s first cousin, Jamie Wall of Kilbrittan in Cork was manager and it marked the second time he has guided MIC to glory in the third-level competition during his seven year tenure.
After seven minutes, Mary I led 0-5 0-1 before Devon Ryan pulled on the sliotar as possession broke to him on the edge of the square.
Goalkeeper Jason Gillane hit a long range free which hit the net on twenty two minutes, the Patrickswell netminder finished with 1-3 to his credit and like his older brother Aaron when Mary I won the 2017 title had a massive part in their success.
Tipperary’s Gearoid O’Connor goaled for UL as the managed to reduce the deficit to 2-8 1-7 by half-time.
Diarmuid Ryan manned the centre-back spot for Mary I with Feakle’s Adam Hogan at corner back joining him in defence, he had the task of manning Mark Rodgers. Indeed the performances of the duo plus Tipperary’s Joe Caesar were central in curbing a top-class UL attack. Ryan had a goal-saving block in the first half.
Up front, Shane Meehan of the Banner pointed on fifty one minutes to put Mary I back in front and won an important free on fifty four minutes to push them two clear.
Corofin’s Diarmiuid Cahill and Daithí Lohan of Wolfe Tones also featured for the college during the competition. Indeed it was a case of mixed emotions for the Lohan household as his elder brother Darragh was in the opposing defence. Clarecastle duo Aaron Hayes and Niall Brigdale were also part of the panel.
This success means that Ryan, Hogan and Cahill are now the holders of Harty Cup and Fitzgibbon Cup titles.
Scariff’s Mark Rodgers captained the UL side with Darragh Lohan at corner back and Clarecastle’s Cian Galvin at wing back. Also part of the UL panel were Clonlara’s Colm O’Meara, Ross Hayes of Crusheen, Clooney/Quin defender John Conneally and Keelan Hartigan from Scariff.
