Mary Immaculate College Books Fitzgibbon Cup Final Spot After Extra-Time Battle

DUBLIN (Azat TV) – Mary Immaculate College (Mary I) secured their place in the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final on Wednesday evening, overcoming DCU Dóchas Éireann in a dramatic extra-time semi-final clash. The thrilling encounter, which saw both teams battle fiercely, ended with Mary I emerging victorious with a scoreline of 0-31 to 2-16, ensuring their second final appearance in three years.

The semi-final, held at the DCU Sportsgrounds, was a captivating display of collegiate hurling, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats until the very end. DCU demonstrated strong resolve, leading for significant portions of the game, fueled by Westmeath native Peter Clarke’s crucial goals on either side of halftime. However, Mary I consistently remained within striking distance, refusing to let their opponents pull away.

Walsh’s Heroics Propel Mary I to Fitzgibbon Cup Final

A pivotal performance from Kilkenny hurler Shane Walsh proved instrumental in Mary I’s triumph. Walsh, a county title-winning captain with Tullaroan in 2019 and a player on the fringes of the Kilkenny senior panel, showcased remarkable dead-ball accuracy. He contributed an impressive 0-9 in the second half alone, with 0-8 coming from placed balls, ensuring Mary I kept pace with DCU. By the end of the contest, Walsh had amassed a personal tally of 0-13, a significant factor in his team’s success, as reported by Balls.ie.

The tension escalated in the final quarter, with DCU holding a narrow lead. Mary I, however, managed to seize the lead in injury time, only for DCU substitute Daniel O’Meara to deliver a brilliant point in the dying seconds, leveling the score and forcing the match into extra time. Once the additional periods commenced, Mary I asserted their dominance, racing to a five-point lead and steadily extending it to secure their decisive victory.

Limerick Hurling Stars’ Impact in Semi-Finals

The semi-final stage of the Fitzgibbon Cup drew significant attention due to the involvement of several prominent inter-county hurling stars, particularly from Limerick. The Limerick Leader highlighted that key members of John Kiely’s Limerick senior hurling squad were in action for their respective college teams.

Mary Immaculate College’s squad featured Limerick players such as Shane O’Brien, Vince Harrington, Oisin O’Farrell, Jimmy Quilty, and Cian Scully, with Scully notably contributing 0-6 from play against DCU. The other semi-final, which saw holders University of Limerick host University of Galway at Maguire’s Field, also showcased a strong Limerick contingent. UL’s roster included Adam English, Aidan O’Connor, Colin Coughlan, Cathal O’Neill, Fintan Fitzgerald, Joe Fitzgerald, and Darragh Langan. The outcome of the University of Limerick versus University of Galway match was not immediately available.

Road to the Fitzgibbon Cup Final at Croke Park

Mary Immaculate College’s victory marks their second appearance in the Fitzgibbon Cup final in three years, having previously overcome the University of Limerick in the 2024 decider. The final of this year’s Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup is scheduled to take place at the iconic Croke Park on Friday, February 13, with throw-in set for 7:35 PM. Mary I will face the winner of the University of Limerick and University of Galway semi-final, which was also played on Wednesday evening.

The competition, renowned for its high standard of collegiate hurling, serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent and experienced inter-county players alike. The anticipation builds for what promises to be another gripping final at the pinnacle of third-level hurling.

Mary Immaculate College’s consistent presence in the Fitzgibbon Cup final underscores the strength of their hurling program and their ability to perform under pressure, cementing their status as a perennial contender in this prestigious competition.