Loughrey hat-trick puts LyIT into final - and back to Premier Division

Pat Loughrey was the hat-trick hero as Letterkenny Institute of Technology booked a spot in the Colleges & Universities Football League Division One final - and secured promotion to the Premier Division.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology 4 TUS Midwest 2 (after extra time)

Shane Byrne’s LyIT battled back from 2-0 down to defeat TUS Midwest at the AUL Complex in Dublin on Tuesday afternoon.

LyIT were 2-0 down at the break with Jason Cross and Filip Mostowy netting for TUS Midwest.

LyIT were staring up the face of a mountain, but they hit back to win in extra time.

However, Joel Bradley-Walsh got the Port Road scholars back into it with a cracking free-kick.

Loughrey drew LyIT level with a neat finish and it was game on.

Loughrey struck again to put LyIT in front and the Buncrana man, who plays for Irish League Championship side Dergview, completed his hat-trick to secure a place in the final.

LyIT will now make their return to the top tier of CUFL competition.

Letterkenny Institute of Technology: Matthew Gallagher, Lee McLaughlin, Fionn McClure, Kieran Farren, Shaun McDermott, Charlie White, Oran Brogan, Mark McFadden, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Michael Harris, Pat Loughrey. Subs: Connor Gormley, Sean McBride, Rian Akpentinyi, Damien Duffy, Stephen Black, Eoin Logue, Joel Gorman.