NUI Maynooth 1-9 IT Sligo 1-8:Last year's defeated finalists NUI Maynooth saw off a dogged IT Sligo in testing conditions in Maynooth yesterday. IT Sligo were able to call upon Donegal All-Ireland winner Mark McHugh but Maynooth took control with a goal from Seán Hurley.

IT Sligo hit back through Gary Whyte’s goal but three points from the hosts ensured they held a 1-7 to 1-4 lead at the interval.

Points from Séamus Mattimoe and Hurley helped Maynooth into a four-point lead with five minutes remaining. IT Sligo hit three in a row, including two frees from Sligo star Stephen Coen, but it was not enough.

NUI MAYNOOTH:M Donnellan; D Dalton, E Rigney, J Gonoud (0-2); T Johnson, D Cash, A McCarrick; T Moolick, E O'Conghaile; F Barry, R Kennedy (0-2), F Toolan, S Mattimoe (0-1), S Hurley (1-1), P O'Griofa (0-3, two frees). Subs: A Walsh for Barry (40 mins); J Calif for Kennedy (45 mins); D McNicholas for O'Griofa (51 mins); G McIntyre for Toolan (55 mins). IT SLIGO: A McCallig; B McQuaid, K Kane, R Kennedy; P Seoighe, R Donovan, D Gilsenan; M Forde, D Maye (0-1), N Hahessy, D Geraghty, G Whyte (1-1); S Coen 0-5 (four frees), P O'Connor, M McHugh. Subs: K Brady for McHugh, (39mins), N Costello for O'Connor (55 mins), J Rodgers (0-1) for Maye (59mins). Referee: J Curley.