First teams in Fitzgibbon Cup Semi Finals are known

Mary Immaculate College and University College Cork have become the first two teams to reach the semi finals of this year’s Fitzgibbon Cup following wins over Dublin Institute of Technology and Cork Institute of Technology today.

The Limerick College side’s victory means that they will be appearing at the finals weekend for the first time in the college’s history.

The winners held a 0-11 to 0-9 lead at the end of a highly entertaining first half.

With John Conlon who finished with five points and Declan Hannon who finished with five starting for the winners, an early second half goal from Lar Considine ensured that laurels would be going to the Limerick side.

With five minutes to play four points separated the sides, but in those closing minutes they were able to add the scores to secure a 1-18 to 0-15 victory and a place in the semi final against the winners of tomorrow’s quarter final between Waterford Institute of Technology and Limerick Institute of Technology at Carriganore outside Waterford.

In the all Cork battle at the Mardyke it was the home side that came out on top on a 1-13 to 1-11 scoreline.

This was a repeat of last years final at the same venue.

It was Cork Institute of Technology that had the better of the early exchanges.

A goal from Cork Inter County panellist Lorcan McLoughlin midway through the opening half proved to be the key score in the opening 30 minutes and help them to a 1-6 to 0-7 over the reigning champions at the break.

However, a goal from Ballygunner and Waterford hurler Brian O’Sullivan early in the second half drew the sides’ level at 1-7 a piece.

Cork Institute of Technology however soon began to control proceedings once more and with ten minutes to play they held a one point advantage, but in those closing minutes they failed to register any further scores, while University College Cork added three points.

University College Cork will find out on Wednesday who they will play. They await the winners of the quarter final clash between University College Cork and University of Limerick at Belfield.

The semi finals of this year’s competition will take place on March 1 with the final taking place twenty four hours later.