UCC 1-15 Athlone IT 0-7:OUTSIDE THE ropes stood Billy Morgan. The UCC manager is suspended, due to a misdemeanour committed earlier in the season, arguably souring the influence he can have in the first Sigerson Cup with his Alma Mater. There he was, draped in black, casually leaning on a towering floodlight just yards from the UCC bench. Within earshot of his selectors.
Not that Morgan’s input was needed yesterday as the combination of Cork and Kerry footballers galloped past an Athlone IT side, hardly lacking talent with contributors from the midland counties and, of course, Galway.
Athlone’s endeavour was evident throughout but they seemed at a numerical disadvantage long before Mayo’s Paul Doherty received a straight red card for a tussle with UCC number 33, and constant nuisance, Barry O’Driscoll.
Certain men made an impression. Kerry have recently lost a midfield general in Darragh Ó Sé but, if this standard is anything to go by, then John Buckley deserves further opportunities in the green and gold. Everything in attack from UCC seems to flow through the Dr Crokes centre-fielder.
His partner in the engine room was none other than Michael Shields, who also grew into the contest, and together they amassed a pretty looking 0-4.
They were both on the scoresheet by the time Séamus Hayes, elder brother of Cork forward John, made it 0-6 to 0-2 on 16 minutes.
Daithi Casey pushed them further ahead with a fine strike soon after as the UCC attacking waves became relentless. Athlone simply could not get a foothold in opposition territory despite the industry of David Egan and Frankie Burke.
Brian Connor, son of Richie, occasionally showed around the middle but by the finish his obvious frustration really should have resulted in another dismissal.
On 28 minutes came the point of no return for Athlone. It was a wonderful team goal that begun near the UCC corner flag, possession was shifted from left to right and up the wing with David Limrick and Kevin O’Driscoll providing smart link play before Shields fired a long foot pass to David Kearney who combined with Seán Kiely to eventually present corner back Shane Enright with a sight of goal. He finished neatly.
Athlone were left to rue two goal opportunities but UCC goalkeeper Ken O’Halloran deserves credit for some instinctive shot stopping.
Burke rallied early in the second half with two scores but the contest had already descended into exhibition as UCC eased off the pedal with one eye on this afternoon’s final over at Leixlip GAA club (throw in 2.30pm) when Morgan will again need to find a clever perch to survey matters.
UCC: K O’Halloran; E Cotter, E Hegarty, S Enright (1-0); D Limrick, A Greaney, P Corrigan; M Shields (0-2), J Buckley (0-2); K O’Driscoll, S Kiely, D Casey (0-2, one free); B O’Driscoll (0-5, four frees), S Hayes (0-3), D Kearney. Subs: D Goold (0-1) for D Casey, M Collins for S Kiely, P Honohan for S Hayes (all 51 mins), D O’Donovan for A Greaney, B Shanahan for P Corrigan (both 54 mins).
ATHLONE IT: G Connaughton; S Higgins, D Masterson, J Reynolds; M Mitchell, D Reilly (0-1), K Smyth; G Dennigan, B Connor; P Doherty, D Egan (0-1), C Blake; F Burke (0-3), J Reynolds, R Galligan (0-2, one 45). Subs: N Judge for R Ralligan (43 mins), P Bannon for J Reynolds (50 mins), F Reilly for S Higgins (54 mins), D Cash for D Egan (57 mins), D Reynolds for G Dennigan (66 mins).
Referee: G McCormack (Dublin).
