UCC 1-13 Mary Immaculate 1-13:A goal with the last action of a thrilling contest earned Mary Immaculate a point in a dramatic finish to this Fitzgibbon Cup tie in Limerick yesterday.
The Eamon Cregan-managed Mary I, back in the competition for the first time since 2004, need a win next week to qualify for the knock-outs.
At half-time Mary I led by a point, 0-10 to 1-6, with Brian Hartnett getting the goal for UCC from a pass by Dan McCormack after 11 minutes.
An explosive start to the second half, in which most players were involved in a brawl, ended with referee Alan Kelly showing three players yellow cards, two from Mary I.
This settled the game and there were some outstanding scores. Mary I had points by John Conlon, the Clare senior, and Declan Hannon of Limerick tied it up with a free. Dan McCormack and a Hartnett free left only one between them before Conlon pointed another free. It was level after Paul Haughney and William Egan struck superb points for UCC.
Conor Lehane and two frees by Hartnett looked to have won it for the Cork side until a cracking Hannon shot at the death was partially blocked and Brian O’Halloran hit the UCC net for a deserved draw.
