Donegal trio involved with DCU as they lose out in Ryan Cup final to UCC

Three Donegal men featured prominently in the Ryan Cup final as UCC edged out DCU in a thrilling encounter at St Clare’s, Dublin on a 0-21 to 2-13 scoreline.

Downings forward Johnny McGroddy was DCU’s standout performer, registering eight points on the night, seven of which came from frees. His clubmate Ronan Gallagher lined out at corner-back, while Donegal U-21 player and Four Masters man Conor Reid was listed on the bench for the Dublin University.

UCC claimed the Division 1 league title thanks to a captain’s performance from Killian Falvey, who scored five points and contributed to several more. Falvey dedicated the win to veteran manager Billy Morgan, absent on the night.

DCU, trailing 0-11 to 1-5 at half-time, battled back with a Finbarr McLoughlin goal just before the break and back-to-back points from McGroddy after the restart.

A goal from Ethan Dunne, set up by Dublin’s Greg McEnaney, brought them within a point in the 48th minute. However, UCC held their nerve, with late scores from Cathal O Beaglaoich and substitute Fionn Desmond sealing a 0-19 to 2-11 victory.

DCU’s chances were marred by eight second-half wides and a controversial stoppage-time free. McGroddy surprisingly went short, leading to a missed opportunity to level the game. A red card for substitute Liam Kelly further compounded their woes.

For UCC, the win underscores their Sigerson Cup credentials, with flawless first-half shooting and crucial leadership from Falvey and Kerry’s Cormac Dillon proving decisive.