Johnny McGroddy inspires DCU to Sigerson Cup final with extra-time heroics

Donegal and Downings man Johnny McGroddy was the match-winner for DCU, delivering a crucial late point to force extra time in this Sigerson Cup semi-final before adding three more to drive his side over the line against Ulster University on Thursday.

The Downings sharpshooter made an instant impact after coming on in the 52nd minute, racking up four outstanding points from play to keep the 2020 champions on course for a sixth title as they came out the better side on a 0-14 to 0-10 scoreline.

His clubmate Ronan Gallagher also played a key role in the DCU defence at centre-half back as they overcame the Sigerson champions which features St Eunan's man Ronan McGeehin in the nets who was looking for his second university title on the bounce.

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DCU captain Ciaran Caulfield, along with Darragh Swords and Alex Gavin, contributed vital scores in extra time as the Dublin side dethroned the reigning champions in a tense and hard-fought battle.

Their reward is a highly anticipated Dublin derby against UCD in next Wednesday’s final, which will take place at the University of Galway’s Connacht Centre of Excellence. UCD will be seeking redemption after their 2024 final defeat to Ulster University.

DCU had steamrolled TUS Midlands with a 4-14 tally in their quarter-final, but Ulster University provided a much sterner test with a disciplined defensive setup.

The Dublin side struggled for scores in the early stages and, after a cagey opening 10 minutes, found themselves on the receiving end of a four-point blitz from Ulster University. One of the standout scores came from Down’s Danny Magill, whose fine strike from the left wing left the northern outfit leading 0-5 to 0-1.

Surprisingly, Ulster University managed only one more score before the break, as DCU found their rhythm and responded with four points between the 22nd and 28th minutes.

Ronan McCaffrey, who was introduced into the Ulster University lineup alongside Eoin McElholm and Lorcan McGarrity, nudged his team ahead at the interval with a superb left-wing effort, making it 0-6 to 0-5.

The game remained a tense tactical affair, with both sides favouring a counter-attacking approach. Luke Marren converted a free in the 38th minute to level matters at 0-6 apiece, and parity was restored again at 0-7 each.

Despite the introduction of Dublin’s Lorcan O’Dell, who had netted in the quarter-final, DCU struggled to find inspiration in attack. It was left to McGroddy to rescue them, levelling the match at 0-8 apiece with a sublime point to force extra time.

Ulster University had held possession for over four minutes at the end of normal time, desperately trying to engineer a winning score while denying DCU any chance of a response. However, their efforts came to nothing as they failed to land the decisive blow.

McGroddy took full advantage in extra time, notching three more points while Ulster University’s McElholm saw red for a high challenge on Gavin.

DCU Scorers: Luke Marren 0-4 (0-2f), Johnny McGroddy 0-4, Ciaran Caulfield 0-2, Conor Dolan 0-1, Ethan Dunne 0-1, Darragh Swords 0-1, Alex Gavin 0-1.

Ulster University Scorers: Ronan McCaffrey 0-3, Eoin McElholm 0-2, Lorcan McGarrity 0-1, Danny Magill 0-1, Josh Largo Ellis 0-1, Danny Fullerton 0-1, Eoin McEvoy 0-1.

DCU Team: Eoin McGuinness (Longford); Eoghan O'Connor Flanagan (Dublin), Alex Gavin (Dublin), Bryan Masterson (Longford); Lee Deignan (Sligo), Ronan Gallagher (Donegal), Ciaran Caulfield (Meath); Greg McEneaney (Dublin), Ethan Dunne (Dublin); Conor Heffernan (Laois), Ryan Donoghue (Cavan), Conor Dolan (Dublin); Luke Marren (Sligo), Niall Dolan (Kildare), Tom Prior (Leitrim).

Subs: Lorcan O’Dell (Dublin) for Donoghue (36), Eoin Ward (Roscommon) for Deignan (40), Darragh Swords (Kildare) for N Dolan (44), Johnny McGroddy (Donegal) for C Dolan (52), Luke Glennon (Roscommon) for McEneaney (59), Jack Tumulty (Roscommon) for Marren (65), Darragh Joyce (Mayo) for Masterson (h/t e/t), Eoghan Smith (Sligo) for Prior (80), Evan Crowe (Cavan) for Gavin (82).

Ulster University Team: Ronan McGeehin (Donegal); Louis Kelly (Monaghan), Ryan Magill (Down), Fionan O'Brien (Fermanagh); Josh Largo Ellis (Fermanagh), Eoin McEvoy (Derry), Danny Magill (Down); Odhran Murdock (Down), Oisin McCann (Tyrone); Charlie Diamond (Derry), Ronan McCaffrey (Fermanagh), Ciaran Daly (Tyrone); Eoin McElholm (Tyrone), Conor Cush (Tyrone), Lorcan McGarrity (Tyrone).

Subs: Eamon Brown (Down) for McCann (46), Danny Fullerton (Tyrone) for McGarrity (52), Callum O’Neill (Armagh) for Cush (55), Ben Cullen (Tyrone) for R Magill (58), Eunan Mulholland (Derry) for D Magill (71), Senan Carr (Down) for Largo Ellis (76).

Referee: Noel Mooney (Cavan).