Ryan Cup Hurling – Round Two:
Ulster University 1-18, Mary Immaculate College, Thurles 1-12
Whitehall Colmcille GAC, Dublin
Ref. Thomas Gleeson (Dublin)
Ulster University continued their winning start to the 2022 Ryan Cup as they defeated Mary Immaculate College, Thurles by six points on Wednesday evening. Ulster University had defeated their local rivals Queen’s University in Round One, and came in to Wednesday’s game full of confidence. Despite playing in to a difficult breeze in the first half, the men from Jordanstown found themselves only a point behind at half time. Scores from Paul Boyle, Aodhán O’Brien and a superb long range effort from centre back Declan McCloskey helped to break any momentum Mary Immaculate were attempting to gain. The industry from Daniel Lowry of Naomh Éanna proved pivotal as he helped to set up further scores for Peter McCallin and team captain, Daithí Sands.
Half time, Mary I Thurles 0-09, Ulster University 0-08
After the short whistle, Ulster University came out of the starting blocks at pace, with further scores from Padraig Doran (two) and John Kennedy edging UU ahead. However, Mary I hit two unanswered scores to tie the game at 0-12 apiece with fifteen minutes to go. A long range free from Aodhán O’Brien was followed by the game defining moment; Daithí Sands created havoc in the Mary I full back line by turning over the corner back, beating two remaining defenders along the end line and burying the ball past the Mary I goalkeeper. This outstanding piece of selfless play from the team captain helped to inspire his colleagues even further, as Kennedy fired over his second point along with efforts from Donal McKernan and Ciaran Magill late on. Indeed, a scoring burst of 1-06 without reply helped to solidify the result. Mary I scored a goal from a 20 metre free in the 5th minute of injury time, however the victory was Ulster University’s who now face MTU Kerry in Round Three next week.
Full time, Ulster University 1-18, Mary I Thurles 1-12
Team:
Liam Dunphy (Lisdowney);
Aodhán Furlong (Newry Shamrocks), Niall O’Connor (Naomh Éanna), Caoimhín Heaney (Davitts);
Francis McCurry (Ruairí Óg), Declan McCloskey (Loughgiel Shamrocks) (0-01), Aodhán O’Brien (O’Donovan Rossa) (0-03);
Tim Prenter (Ballygalget) (0-01) & Paul Boyle (Loughgiel Shamrocks) (0-02);
John Kennedy (Mount Sion) (0-02), Peter McCallin (Naomh Eoin) (0-01), Daithí Sands (Portaferry) (1-01);
Daniel Lowry (Naomh Éanna), Michial Dudley (Naomh Eoin) (0-01), Padraig Doran (Portaferry) (0-04)
Subs used:
Tom Scally (Cushendun)
Donal McKernan (Sarsfields) (0-01)
Ciaran Magill (Shane O’Neills) (0-01)
Caoilte McAlinden (Ballinascreen)
Luca McCusker (Lisbellaw)
