Maher Cup Final

DKIT VS NAPIER UNIVERSITY
By Marie Greenan
This is one of the most successful years ever for GAA in the college, with us fielding teams in all competitions, and as always the Hurling team has showed its true heart by last semester becoming All-Ireland League Champions, and continuing this success by reaching the Maher Cup Championship final. The team should be very proud of what they have achieved, and how they have contributed to the returning of GAA to its important status in the college.

The final was played on Saturday at 11am in Dangan sport facility. Their opposition was Napier University from Edinburgh, Scotland. Preparing for the match they knew it wasn't goin to be easy and we needed everyone on top form. Unfortunately some of team caught a bug, and a number of the team were unable to tog out. This didn't deter the rest of the team with some who had been sick showing their dedication to the team mates and friends by fielding. This showed the depth and heart of the team as everyone who was called upon gave their heart and left everything on the field.

Napier started brightly with a goal and point, but our lads soon settled in and dominated for patches of the play. With their hard work they came back to within a point and really looked like they would go ahead. There was some great displays from Padraig Keough and he was rewarded with a fine score form midfield off his left hand side. The team really lifted the pace of the game, resulting in Napier continuously fouling, Danny Maguire earning a free from a late pull across his body, and Derek Horan getting hit on his hand after delivering the ball, resulting in Napier's Sean Greaney being booked. Peter Durnin again gave a masterclass in free taking, converting five frees in the first half. The back line stayed solid, going in hard, breaking ball which was picked up brightly by the midfield. Daithi Watters gave a great display at full back, clearing the lines on a number of occasions. As always Daithi and James Connolly in goals worked and communicated well together. Unfortunately before the half time whistle Napier hit back with another goal giving them a lift for the second half.

Half time

DKIT; 0-7
Napier; 2-6

Napier continued the second half where they had left off, with their full forward line showing some fine displays of scoring. Napier's height, physicality and maturity were obvious, as the majority of their players were quite older than our team and gave them an edge over some of our younger, smaller players. Credit to all the team, as they never gave up and continued to battle hard throughout the second half, showing some great skill and finding weaknesses in the Napier game. A great break of the ball by John Kelleher, was picked up by Adrian Wallace who gave a pin point pass to Malcolm Doyle who brilliantly executed a fine point from his hurl after another one of his great runs. Durnin added another goal, taking his tally for the match to 1-6. Derek Horan who had been moved to midfield, made his contribution of two points from play. But at this stage the gap was too wide, and Napier deservedly took the title of Maher Cup Champions. Player of the match went to Napier's no.15 Tony Dunne.

Full time;

DKIT; 1-10
Napier; 3-15

Panel and Scorers;
James Connolly, Mark Wallace, Daithi Watters, Darren O' Hanrahan, Podge Kelly, Derek Horan (0 - 2), John Shiels, Padraig Keough (0 - 1), Malcolm Doyle (0 - 1), Adrian Wallace, Noel Kirby, Daniel Maguire, Peter Durnin (1 - 6), Gavin Kerrigan, Cian Dunne, David Deane, Michael Walsh, Philip Mc Govern, Edward Kirby, Eoin Marsh, Niall Cleary, Christopher Smyth, Sean Doherty, Vincent Walsh, John Lawlor, John Kelleher, Kenneth Boyd, Chris Gallagher, Darren Brennan.

The GAA committee would like to thank all of the players for all their hard work since September, to congratulate them on their All-Ireland League success, for showing everyone in the college the talent that we have and helping to promote all GAA games in the college. This has been an incredible year and the team will rightfully be the centre of celebrations at the annual Sports and Societies ball on the 25th of March when they receive their All-Ireland medal.

Most importantly I know that everyone one of the team would like to thank Shane Darcy for his hard work and dedication to the team, without him none of this would have been possible and I know he is very proud of all of the team.

Thank you to Diarmuid Cahill, who organised al the gear for the team, and even though he couldn't be there due to illness, he still made sure everything was in order. His support to Gaelic Games in DKIT is unwavering and the club is indebted to this. Thank you also to Sevens Coach Hire for transporting us all weekend and for sponsoring gear.

Thank you to the Galway Bay Hotel for looking after us all over the three days. Also to physiotherapist Audrey and to all those who came to watch the matches and support the boys - it is all very much appreciated. Tweet

Most Read Stories