The quarter-finals of the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup got underway this evening, with DCU DÉ and University of Galway booking their places in the last four after victories over MTU Cork and University of Limerick respectively.
The evening's later game featured a rematch of last year's final, with reigning champions University of Galway hosting UL at Dangan.
On a quest to win back-to-back Sigerson titles for the first time since the 1980s, a sizeable crowd of home supporters turned out on the night for what turned out to be a high quality affair.
The hosts got off to the perfect start in the game, with Mark McInerney finishing off an excellent side to give his side an early goal.
@ElectricIreland Sigerson Cup Quarter Final
Mark McInerney puts University of Galway in front with an early goal! @nuiggaa1 1-00 @ul_gaa 0-01
Watch live here: https://t.co/noXcHLKSaS#FirstClassRivals @HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/o418Ko4Lp1— Electric Ireland (@ElectricIreland) January 31, 2023
They would have a second soon after.
On this occasion, Moycullen man Ger Davoren rose highest to claim a high ball into UL box, gathering it at the second attempt and firing into the net beyond the opposition goalkeeper.
@ElectricIreland Sigerson Cup Quarter Final
Ger Davoren increases the lead for University of Galway with the second goal of the night for his side! @nuiggaa1 2-02 @ul_gaa 0-02
Watch live here: https://t.co/noXcHLKSaS#FirstClassRivals @HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/ndNai8Pntp— Electric Ireland (@ElectricIreland) January 31, 2023
Despite the two goals, UL remained in touching distance throughout the opening half, finding themselves only three points behind at the interval.
The second half was an even closer affair.
This score from former minor All-Ireland winner Paul Walsh was a fine example of UL's attacking play.
@ElectricIreland Sigerson Cup Quarter Final
Paul Walsh slots the ball over the bar following some nice build-up play from UL! @nuiggaa1 2-05 @ul_gaa 0-08
Watch live here: https://t.co/NwrUxWKpUE #FirstClassRivals @HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/W72hacVnsB— Electric Ireland (@ElectricIreland) January 31, 2023
Walsh would prove to be the difference maker in the game.
In the 49th minute, he would capitalise on a sloppy University of Galway kickout by producing a fantastic chipped goal over the head of the opposition goalkeeper.
@ElectricIreland Sigerson Cup Quarter Final
Paul Walsh scores a spectacular goal for UL! - The Brosna man lobs the keeper from distance to put his side in front! @nuiggaa1 2-05 @ul_gaa 1-11
Watch live here: https://t.co/PNrMlxhS7q #FirstClassRivals @HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/P9U8Gt0bOC— Electric Ireland (@ElectricIreland) January 31, 2023
Brosna native Walsh was part of the Kerry team that won the All-Ireland minor title back in 2018, being named as Electric Ireland Minor Footballer of the Year for his efforts that season.
He would also hit headlines in 2021 when he travelled to Brazil to meet up with Ronaldinho, spending time with the World Cup winner in his home in Rio de Janeiro. It looks as though he might have picked up one or two things from the former Barcelona star.
Yerra he’s not bad 😜#FootballLegend Could he start against Tyrone🤔?💚💛 https://t.co/JCUsLKif4V
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) August 19, 2021
UL looked was the stronger of the two sides for much of the second half and held a one-point lead deep in injury time.
However, University of Galway player Sean Kelly produced a brilliant score with the final play of regulation to send the game to extra time.
@ElectricIreland Sigerson Cup Quarter Final
Sean Kelly sends it to extra-time with the last kick of the game! - Stay tuned to see who advances to the semi-final! @nuiggaa1 2-09 @ul_gaa 1-12
Watch live here: https://t.co/PNrMlxhS7q #FirstClassRivals @HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/pByE8FQZyk— Electric Ireland (@ElectricIreland) January 31, 2023
Extra-time was a cagey affair, with both sides plugging up the gaps in defence and offering up little in the way of scoring opportunities.
UL did create more chances, and while they would fail to capitalise on a good portion of them, in what was a low scoring extra period. When University of Galway missed a late free to level the game, their opponents went straight down the other end of the pitch to open up a two-point lead.
That was enough to secure a 1-15 to 2-10 victory and earn a small semblance of revenge for their defeat in last year's final.
DCU DÉ vs MTU Cork was the earlier of the two fixtures, getting underway at 6:30pm at DCU Sportsgrounds. The home side were dominant for most of the continent, opening up a lead in the first half and never really looking back.
While there would only be two points between the sides at halftime, a couple of goals from the Dublin school gave them some breathing room in the second period.
They would ultimately emerge as winners on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-9.
The final two quarter-finals will take place tomorrow night to decide who will join DCU DÉ and UL in the semi-finals. TU Dublin will face DCU, while St Mary's take on UCC. Both games will get underway at 7pm.
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