An 87th minute goal from Niall Hanley was enough to see UCD retain the Harding Cup in a hard fought victory over hosts NUI Maynooth.

UCD started with a low scoring 1-0 win courtesy of Cillian Morrison, against NUIG. They gradually raised their game with a 2-0 win against UL and an impressive 5-2 win against Mary Immaculate College in the Semi-Final.  Trinity College Dublin beat NUI Galway in the Plate Final with a goal from Lee Moran.

The Harding Memorial Trophy (giving it its full title) – the brainchild of the late Dr Tony O,Neill (former secretary of the IUFU) was first played for in the 1969/70 season, when it was presented by ALBERT W. (Bert) HARDING, who always showed a great interest in football in universities especially for first year students. Mr Harding was Chairman of UCD AFC from 1970 – 1975. The IUFU established the Harding Plate competition in 1975 for those teams failing to reach the semi-finals.

UCD now must concentrate on tonight’s game in the Setanta Cup against Lisburn Distillery

UCD Secretary Richard Shakespeare expressed his delight at being able to respond positively to the Setanta Cup Committee’s invitation to compete in the competition.   The Students will play the first leg of their first round tie against Lisburn Distillery next Monday night, kick off 7.45pm.

 “It’s a quick turn around,” explains Mr Shakespeare, “But we can facilitate the match thanks to the assistance of Bohemian FC who have granted permission for us to fulfil the fixture at Dalymount since the Bowl is unavailable.   It’s heartening to see clubs rallying round for the general good of the domestic game.”

The tie will see a speedy return by Distillery keeper Billy Brennan to face his former UCD colleagues.   The return leg in Lisburn is scheduled for the 28^th Febraury.

The match takes place in Dalymount Park. Kick off, 7.45pm