Defending champions IT Tralee crashed out of the Sigerson Cup yesterday when they were soundly beaten by Mary Immaculate College of Education in Limerick. Inspired by Kerry inter-county star Dara O Cinneide, who chipped in with nine points, the home side showed little respect for Tralee's reputation.

Despite a good start with the aid of wind advantage, MICE only had a three-point lead at the break after Padraig Joyce came through with a Tralee goal just before half-time. However, MICE withstood Tralee's comeback, and extended their lead for a deserved win.

MICE: M Dunphy; B Dagg, J Dervan, D Duggan; D Mullins, P Glynn, M O'Sullivan; D O'Connell 0-1, J Stokes; P McMahon, A Monaghan, B Gleeson 0-1; P McMahon 0-1, D O Cinneide 0-9, C O'Shea. Subs: S Lavin 0-1 for Gleeson, M O'Sullivan for O'Shea.

IT Tralee: P Laide; K Leen, T O'Sullivan, B O'Shea; B Brennan, N Sheedy, S Hegarty; M Finn, N Garvan; S O'Sullivan 0-1, M McCarthy, G O'Keeffe; R O'Connor 0-1, P Joyce 1-2, P Fleming 0-1. Subs: P Lynch for Hegarty, M Quirke for Finn.

Referee: P Russell (Tipperary).