UCD yesterday crashed out of the Sigerson Cup in a heartaching loss to College rivals DCU.

DCU 2-6 UCD 0-9

Meaths Brian Sheridan scored two crucial goals yesterday as DCU survived a tricky home assignment against UCD.

In a well-contested encounter, DCU married graft with craft to book a quarter-final spot against Cork IT.

Though Kevin McGourty and Francis McGee put UCD ahead early on with points, DCU briskly responded with two Seanie Johnston frees before Sheridan pounced for a 12th minute goal.

Dermot Sheridan’s deep delivery was dropped by UCD goalkeeper Michael Savage, and Brian Sheridan pounced to drill the loose ball over the line.

UCD plugged away defiantly with McGee nailing a free from distance but DCU then enjoyed a productive burst as the impressive Paul Flynn and Ronan Flanagan hit tidy long-range scores.

McGee concluded the first half scoring with a splendid effort from play as DCU led 1-4 to 0-4 at the interval. DCU then landed a significant blow as Dermot Sheridan gathered possession from the throw-in, and found his namesake who expertly palmed a clever goal as Niall Moyna’s charges edged six points clear.

UCD continued to battle bravely with McGee precise from placed balls, and David O’Callaghan also clipping over a point as the deficit was reduced to 2-4 to 0-7 with a 15 minutes remaining.

Flanagan and Flynn converted chances for DCU as they moved five ahead, but McGee’s points kept UCD in contention. Despite UCD’s industry they were unable to rattle the DCU net in the dying stages as full back Kieran Gavin provided a solid barrier, and the pre-tournament favourites held on to record an encouraging success.

DCU: M Boyle; P McMahon, K Gavin, D Mooney; K Nolan, B Cullen, J Cooper; D Sheridan, H McGrillen; C Cregg, R Flanagan (0-2, one free), P Flynn (0-2); D Kelly, B Sheridan (2-0), S Johnston (0-2, two frees). Subs: P Andrews for Johnston (37 mins), J McCarthy for Cooper (45 mins), R Cullivan for Cregg (50 mins), P Brady for Flanagan (60 mins).  

UCD: M Savage; M Fitzsimons, Rory O’Carroll, P Kelly; Ross O’Carroll, C O’Sullivan, J Fitzpatrick; J O’Loughlin, N Corkery; M McGowan, P Kelly, K McGourty (0-1); C Lyng, D O’Callaghan (0-1), F McGee (0-7, five frees, one 45). Subs: D O’Connor for Kelly (35 mins), C Forde for Ross O’Carroll (36), R Maloney for Fitzpatrick (50), B O’Rorke for O’Callaghan (57 mins).  

Referee: G McCormack (Dublin).  

UCD must put this loss behind them however as today travel to Cork in the Fitzgibbon Cup.

These teams produced a thrilling quarter-final tie last season with CIT just emerging with the spoils after a sublime late point from Eoghan Cronin. The hosts suffered a heavy beating in the Waterford Crystal Cup against Waterford and the onus will be on Patrick Hogan, Eoin Keane, Adrian Mannix and Brian Corry for inspiration. But UCD have some sparkling talents in Dublin Seniors David O’Callaghan and Joey Boland along with Kilkenny pain Maurice Nolan and Lester Ryan.  With many more to back up this talent, it is thought that UCD will hopefully edge this encounter.