University of Limerick claim first ever title

BACKBONED by Limerick FC Eircom League of Ireland players, the University of Limerick claimed their first-ever Colleges and University Premier League title - UL were 3-1 winners over Letterkenny IT in the final, which was played this Tuesday night in Galway’s Terryland Park.
Two goals from Limerick FC player John Tierney and one from his new club-mate Paul Cummins ensured that the Limerick side claimed a historic victory for a team that is managed by former UL student and current Limerick FC player Conor Molan.
Molan has certainly had a roller coaster ride since taking over the manager’s role at the University of Limerick just after Christmas.
Molan returned from a year-long trip to Australia to find himself thrust into managerial hot seat at UL following the departure of long-time boss Trevor Lovelle for a coaching position in South Africa. Lovelle had managed to steer UL into the last eight of Premier League and when Molan took over they faced a tough quarter-final tie with IT Tallaght.
A Martin Deady goal from a free kick saw them through to set up a semi-final clash with holders UCD. Substitute Bobby Tier was the hero in Galway breaking the Belfield sides’ two-year grip on the title with a goal minutes from the end of extra time.
This final had the look of a Limerick FC v Finn Harps Eircom League of Ireland clash with so many players attached to both clubs on view.
UL, through head of sport Dave Mahedy and soccer club president Martin Hayes, have developed a close association with the city’s senior soccer club and several of the players are now on scholarship courses at the University.
John Tierney hit the first on 30 minutes, finishing low past Liam Mailey. The second came nine minutes into the second half with a 30 yard effort. Paul Cummins added Limerick’s third on 75 minutes, before Finn Harps player Fintan Bonner netted a consolation score for the Donegal side a minute later.

UL: D Ryan; D Goggins, E O’Brien, B Clery, O Mullins, B Daly, P Walsh, S Goggins, J Tierney (D McGrath), P Cummins, M Deady (G Roche).

Letterkenny IT: L Mailey, D McGarvey, G Whoriskey (K Hogan), P Bonner, S McElwaine, P Doohan, O McMenamin, M Forker (S Gibbons), F Bonner, D McIlwaine (P Hegarty), G Harkin.

Referee: E Deering (Roscommon).

Jerome O’Connell