Extra-time heartbreak for University Ulster as they go down to UL in Freshers final

There was heartbreak for Ulster University in the Division 1 Freshers League final, losing out to University Limerick after extra-time.

UU 1-13 UL 4-5

Goals made the difference with the Belfast side, who included Aodh Ruadh's Eoghan Kelly at centre half-back and Bundoran's Ryan Barrett at full-forward, the better side for most of normal time. Barrett was particularly impressive while Kelly put in a strong performance at the heart of their defence

They were without their other Donegal forward, Karl Joseph Molloy, who is away with Donegal on warm-weather training camp in Tenerife. Max Roarty of St Michael's is also part of the UU panel while Anthony McGrath, former Aodh Ruadh and Donegal underage player, is part of the coaching panel.

The game can be cruel as the Limerick side were very lucky to get extra-time after UU went three ahead with time up, but a second goal gave them the break and they made full use of it, hitting two quick goals in added time to break the Belfast boys.
In a low scoring first half UU had most of the chances and plenty of possession but they found the tricky crossfield wind difficult to contend with.

The Belfast side led for much of the half but were made to pay for seven wides and at half-time they were a point down at 0-4 to 0-3.

'Keeper Cathal McAneney put them ahead from a '45' but Aodhan O'Neill levelled from a free. Ben Cullen had UU ahead again on 14 minutes but again Jack Doyle levelled.

Bundoran's Ryan Barrett edged UU ahead again but two points inside 30 seconds from Marcus Dalton on 27 minutes had the Limerick side ahead at the break against the run of play.

Again UU had much the better of the second half and four points without reply from Senan Carr, Ryan Barrett, Calum O'Neill and Eoin McElholm (free) had them three ahead.

But they were hit with the first of two sucker goals with Marcus Dalton finishing to level on 52 minutes.

McElholm (free) and a special effort from Ryan Barrett opened a two point lead. Fionn Murphy cut the lead with a free but UU looked home and hosed when Ben Cullen and a McAneney free had them 0-11 to 1-5 ahead with time up. But the second goal arrived, again from Marcus Dalton, to send the final to extra-time.

But UU were hit with two goals in a minute from Eoin Murphy and Jack Melvin despite the Limerick side down to 14 after Rouine was black carded at the end of normal time.

Ryan Barrett was almost in for a goal for UU but they did get the goal the needed from Eoin McElholm to turn over three points in arrears.

Calum O'Neill cut the lead early in the second period of extra-time but they were unable to get back on terms although they got a late, late point when the ball was dropped in and punched just over.

UU scorers: Eoin McElholm 1-2,2f; Ryan Barrett 0-3; Cathal McAneney (f,'45'), Calum O'Neill, Ben Cullen 0-2 each; Senan Carr 0-1
UL scorers: Marcus Dalton 2-2; Fionn Murphy 1-1,1f; Jack Melvin 1-0; Jack Doyle, A O'Neill (f) 0-1 each.

Ulster University, Belfast: Cathal McAneney; Barry McMenamin, Ben Hughes, Sean Kerr; Ben Cullen, Eoghan Kelly, O Mee; Cormac Devlin, Senan Carr; Rian Loughran, Eoin McElholm, Calum O'Neill; Lorcan McCullagh, Ryan Barrett, Sean Callan

University Limerick: O Ramsbottom; J Doyle, R O Beaglaoich, D Twomey; F Murphy, C King, J McEligott; J Melvin, C Brosnan; J Maloney, M Dalton, E Rouine; T Curran, A Marron, A O'Neill.

Referee: C Dourneen (Cavan)