Ronan Gallagher and Johnny McGroddy line out for DCU in narrow defeat to UCD

Although Termon’s Bobby McGettigan did not feature in the match, he was on the UCD panel that secured a narrow 1-11 to 1-10 victory over Dublin rivals DCU in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup.

Meanwhile, Downings' duo Ronan Gallagher and Johnny McGroddy represented DCU, with Gallagher starting at right half-back and McGroddy coming off the bench in the 42nd minute.

McGettigan, a key player for Termon, has made a name for himself with standout performances this season which saw the side from the Burn Road win the Donegal Intermediate championship this season.

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Gallagher and McGroddy have also been integral to Downings’ recent successes, with Gallagher anchoring the defence and McGroddy contributing as a reliable scorer.

In this tightly contested match, UCD captain Daire Cregg broke the deadlock after ten minutes, following a series of wides from both sides. DCU took control for much of the first half, leading 0-6 to 0-3 at the break, thanks to impressive scores from Ethan Dunne and Conor Dolan.

UCD manager John Divilly made impactful halftime changes, introducing Roscommon’s Ben O’Carroll. The substitution paid immediate dividends, with O’Carroll scoring the opening point of the second half and setting up Theo Clancy for the game’s first goal, a clinical finish to the top corner.

DCU responded quickly through Luke Marren, who capitalised on a rebound off the post to find the net. However, UCD held their nerve in the closing stages, with three late points from the composed Cregg ensuring their progression to the quarter-finals.

Despite the defeat, DCU remains in the competition, having won their first-round game against MTU Kerry, and will look to bounce back in the third-round draw on Thursday.