Champions DCU remain on course for four-in-a-row

AIG O’Connor Cup semi-final

DCU Dóchas Éireann 1-11
University of Limerick 2-6
By Tom Clancy

DCU survived a late-two point free to deservedly prevail and keep their four-in-a-row hunt alive in the AIG O’Connor Cup, as they edged beyond UL on Wednesday evening.

The victory had the scoring touch from Aisling Hanly, who netted their crucial goal, but vice-captain Robyn Murray typified the DCU endeavour, claiming a late two-point free beneath the crossbar with UL hunting a game levelling score after Niamh Quinn had found the net late on.

DCU have been the competition’s queens in recent times and they will put that record on the line against TUDin the final. They will also hope to inch closer to leaders UL, who sit on top of the overall roll of honour.

It was a game that DCU dominated but couldn’t make it show in the scoreboard and when UL finally managed to create openings, they pulled themselves back into the contest only to fall short, in a game played at the Maguires 4G pitch on the UL campus.

Hanly’s influence was obvious from the first whistle, curling over the opener. And though the Roscommon inside forward did miss some shots, she was certainly the most dangerous forward on the pitch.

Her second point was evaporated by Quinn’s goal – she linked well with Bronagh Nolan to give UL the lead after eight minutes.

However, they would concede the next three points. Fionnuala McLaughlin, Hannah McGinnis and Hanly all pointed with Mary Ellen Bolger pulling off the second of two fine saves in the UL goal.

By half-time it was 1-2 to 0-6, with UL firmly in the contest, DCU struggling to shake them off, but they did lead thanks to Aoife Cullen after a patient move.

UL twice levelled in the third quarter as the game began to open up even more as the contest headed towards the tense finish.

However, when Kilbride’s Hanly found the net on 49 minutes, there was suddenly daylight – of four points before Stephen Duff’s charges added two more points to move further clear. Niamh Flanagan with their last score as UL failed to really ignite in attack.

However, a Joanna Doohan’s point from range gave DJ Collins’ ladies hope which was ignited further when Niamh Quinn’s fine defence cutting run ended with a green flag.

After a late DCU breach, Doohan tried her luck from 40m but it fell inches short, allowing DCU clear and progress to another decider. They hunt their eighth title.

Scorers for DCU Dóchas Éireann: A Hanly 1-3; C Kilmurry 0-2; F McLaughlin, A Cullen (free), H McGinnis, R Sargent, K Doe (free), N Flanagan 0-1 each.

Scorers for University of Limerick: N Quinn 2-0; K Hogan, L Normanly (1f) 0-2 each; A Garland, J Doohan 0-1 each.

DCU Dóchas Éireann: R Murray; A McGrath, A Temple Asokuh, N Donlon; C Durkan, N Crowley, F McLaughlin; N Flanagan, H McGinnis; R Sargent (c), A Cullen, C Kilmurry; S Reynolds, K Doe, A Hanly. Subs: S Gallagher for Cullen (inj. 42); J Mortimer for Danlon (60+2); N Hannon for Doe (HIA 60+4).

University of Limerick: M E Butler; E Power, A Peters, S Ní Scanlain; E Mitchell, J Doohan, S Touhy; A Garland, K Slattery; L Noone, K Hogan, R Leahy; L Normanly, B Nolan, N Quinn. Subs: H Brennan for Peters (26); C English for Nolan, O Ryan for Slattery, T Collins for Brennan (all 39); E Woulfe for Normanly (55); Nolan for Power (HIA 60+4).

Referee: Conor McCarthy (Cork).