Fresher A Hurling League Final
LIT 0-20
DCU 2-8
@ Eire Og, Carlow
A free taking masterclass by Waterford’s Shane Bennett provided LIT the platform to win the Fresher Hurling Division One title in Eire Og GAA Club, Carlow last night.
DCU entered the league final with aspirations of landing a first title at hurling level for the college, however a poor second quarter gave LIT the breathing room to land their first title since 2008. The opening exchanges were tight and tense, with the scores level at 1-3 to 0-6 at the quarter hour mark. DCU’s goal coming from Harry O’Connor, while Kerry’s Jordan Conway notched two excellent points for the Limerick college. It was the next fifteen minutes when Shane Bennett rattled off 6 unanswered points all from frees that created a gap that was too difficult to fully reel in for the DCU lads. DCU will rue this period of the game, as unnecessary frees costs them around the middle third of the field. The teams left the field at half time with LIT leading on a scoreline of 0-12 to 1-3.
DCU came out strong in the second half and valiantly went about reducing the deficit. The momentum was with DCU, as Liam Fahy notched two good points, with further points added by the ever battling O’Connors. But it was the accuracy of Shane Bennett from frees and the industry around the field of Ben O’Gorman, fresh off the back of Wolfe Tones provincial campaign, that kept the margin intact during the second half period. DCU’s resolve was consistent throughout, with some standout performers in the shape of Aaron Maddock, Sean McCaw and Conor McSweeney.
A late goal from sub Eoghan Conroy, reduced the gap to four points but LIT finished strong again to ensure they finished with a well deserved six point win. The final score of 0-20 to 2-8 made sure that LIT were comfortable enough in the finish.
DCU’s management team will be left with both positive and negatives from the league campaign and will be looking towards the Championship in February. LIT will be pleased with their victory and will be looking towards a double in 2016, as a seriously competitive Fresher Hurling Championship awaits.
dcugaaacademy 