Dublin City University shrugged off the eligibility row surrounding two of their big names to see off the challenge of UL in the preliminary round in Limerick yesterday.
DCU manager Niall Moyna said the holders considered pulling out of the trip to Limerick after Cork midfielder Aidan Walsh and Donegal goalkeeper Michael Boyle were ruled out for eligibility reasons. DCU, who led 0-7 to 0-3 at half-time, had strong displays from Donegal captain Michael Murphy, Longford star Michael Quinn and Dublin pair Philly Ryan and Dean Rock, who goaled.
UL: R Byrne; N Fitzgerald, T Clancy, L Mulligan; D Ryan, D Dolan, B McGuire; D Niblock, K Canty; A Maloney (0-1), L McGovern, P Whyte (0-4, one sl); J O’Rourke P Conroy (0-2), E Walsh. Subs: F Fitzgerald for N Fitzgerald (20), D Keohane (0-1) for McGovern (44), S O’Callaghan for E Walsh (44), BJ Walsh for Canty (44), G Ryan for Dolan (57). DCU: J Farrelly; W Lowry, J Cooper, J Smith; J McCarthy, J Brady, M Quinn (0-2); F O Curraoin (0-1), C Dunleavy; P Flynn (0-1), B Donnelly, A McFadden; D Rock (1-1), M Murphy (0-5, 3f, one 45), P Ryan (0-4). Subs: J McCarron for Donnelly (ht), P O’Hanlon for Smith (47), C Daly for McFadden (52), M McCarthy for Rock (55), G Sweeney for J McCarthy (55). Referee: C Lane (Cork).