Cavan footballers land Freshers All-Ireland medals

Paul Fitzpatrick

Six of last year’s successful St Patrick’s College MacRory Cup-winning team picked up All-Ireland Freshers medals last week as DCU saw off UCD in the final this afternoon at Croke Park.

The northside college beat their opponents by 3-11 to 3-10 in a thrilling decider. Cian McManus started the game at wing-back, with David Brady lining out at corner-forward and scoring a point.

Crosserlough’s Pierce Smith came off the bench to score two points in the second half, with Killygarry’s Mattie McKenna also appearing as a substitute.

Lacken’s Thomas Galligan, who was carrying an injury, did not feature. Bailieborugh’s Brendan Argue, who came into the side at the quarter-final stage and played very well in the semi against NUIG, was also an unused sub on the day.

A seventh St Pat’s player from last year, Swanlinbar’s John Joe McGovern, also came off the bench for UCD.

Meanwhile, Cavan senior players Killian Clarke and Michael Argue have a Sigerson Cup semi-final to prepare for as they featured at corner-back and midfield respectively for a star-studded UUJ, including Kieran Hughes, Paddy McBrearty and Ryan McHugh, in their 0-14 to 1-6 win over St Mary’s.

They will face DCU, including Drumgoon’s Conor Moynagh, in the semi-final. Cootehill’s Tom Hayes came on as a sub for UCD in their comfortable quarter-final win over UCC.

Meanwhile, Ballinagh’s Niall McDermott will be absent for UL due to injury when they take on UCD in the semi-final this weekend in Belfast.