UCD on top in tight final

UCD 2  Cork IT 1:   UCD claimed a narrow victory over Cork IT in a keenly contested Colleges & Universities League Premier…

UCD 2  Cork IT 1:  UCD claimed a narrow victory over Cork IT in a keenly contested Colleges & Universities League Premier Division Final at Whitehall.

The sides were level at the break but UCD showed composure and focus in the second half to edge in front and then protect that lead.

Niall Daly's superb individual effort put UCD ahead but Cork IT rallied late in the half and pulled level when Kevin Shannon deflected Kenny Murphy's free past goalkeeper Billy Brennan.

But despite that setback UCD showed fighting spirit, regrouping smartly to take the lead early in the second half.

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Fran Moran was on hand to finish off John Brophy's hard work with a low drive past Cork goalkeeper Stevie Bermingham.

Cork, in fact, were unlucky not to pull level for a second time.  John Hogan headed against the bar before Brennan saved twice from Ray Lally and then Hames Kenny.

• An Alan O'Sullivan hat-trick and two more from John Quirk gave Cork College of Commerce a comfortable 5-0 win over Fermanagh College of Further Education in the Division 0ne decider.

• A penalty shoot-out was needed to decide the Division Two title. DIT and IT Tallaght seconds finished 1-1 after extra time. Graham Gaughran netted for Tallaght  before Conor Foley replied.

UCD:Billy Brennan,Damien Kelly, Shane Flynn,Borja Bravo, Kevin Shannon, Fran Moran, Conan Byrne, Conor Daly, Niall Daly, Kieran Harte, John Brophy. Subs:Evan McMillen (for Bravo ht), not used: John Bourke, Ger O'Callaghan, Simon Gordon, Keith Noone.

Cork IT:Stevie Bermingham, Gary Drennan, Colin Kelly, Richie Ahern, Stephen Hackett, John Hogan, Kenny Murphy, James O'Mahony, Graham Cummins, Ray Lally, Karl Caufield. Subs:Derek O'Rourke (for Ahern 68),James Kenny (for Kelly 73), Ian Murphy (for Hackett 80), not used Brendan Kerly, Eric Marah.

Referee: Fran Cunningham (Dublin)