Tipp to the fore as Mary Immaculate College see off UL to claim third Fitzgibbon Cup title

Mary Immaculate College, Limerick claimed the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup crown for the third time thanks to a pulsating 2-14 to 1-15 victory over three-in-a-row chasing University of Limerick at Abbeydorney on Saturday afternoon last.

It was a Limerick derby to remember, and as in 2016 when they last met in the decider, the winners were the students from the South Circular Road college. 

Mary Immaculate College started with three Limerick men, Vince Harrington of Na Piarsaigh, Shane O'Brien of Kilmallock, and star keeper Jason Gillane who chipped in with a telling 1-3 free long-range frees.

Pure emotion as Mary I win the Fitz!

See manager Jamie Wall embrace his colleague and cousin Podge Collins at the final whistle of the @ElectricIreland Fitzgibbon Cup Final.@MICLimerick @OfficialCorkGAA @LimerickCLG @officialgaa @SportTG4 @GaaClare @MTUKerryGAAClub @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/zQovjrWMNk

— GAA Higher Education (@HigherEdGAA) February 17, 2024

UL, managed by Brian Ryan had Colin Coughlan, Brian O'Grady and Adam English among a star-studded panel.

The winners would play with a strong breeze at their backs in the opening half and they used it to race five points clear after as many minutes, with Gillane landing three frees from his own half. 

The opening goal, on eight minutes, came from Devon Ryan. A scrappy finish after Gillanes delivery once again caused problems in the UL full-back line. The holders grew into the clash, as points from Brian O'Grady and Gearoid O'Connor (sideline and frees) kept them in striking distance. 

Adam English expertly set up the Tipperary star O'Connor for the UL goal late in the half. It was 2-8 to 1-7 at the change of ends.

37 nóim #MICvUL@MICLimerick 2-08@ul_gaa 1-10

Sár-chúilín faighte ag Colin Coughlin agus tá an bearna idir na foirne laghdaithe aige

Beautiful accuracy from Colin Coughlin and there is now just one point between the teams.

BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV #GAA @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/6LZCeAf1RC

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 17, 2024

Mary I hit 13 wides in a frantic first half. 

The third quarter was owned by UL, they took control and outscoring their rivals 0-7 to 0-1 during this spell, they took the lead. However things were reversed in the final quarter, as Devon Ryan, Shane Meehan and finally Colin O'Brien - the team captain - all raised white flags. 

O'Brien's free, the only one he took all afternoon, put Mary I two up in stoppage time, UL couldn't muster a goal and will regret their passing and distribution in the closing stages. 

7 nóim #MICvUL@MICLimerick 1-05@ul_gaa 0-01

Cúl! Botún déanta ag Ollscoil Luimnigh agus Devon Ryan leis an gcríoch isteach sa líontán!

Mary I capitalise on a UL mistake to fire home to the back of the net.

BEO/LIVE AR @TG4TV #GAA @GAA_BEO pic.twitter.com/EvXIwFEwbr

— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) February 17, 2024

The success adds to wins in 2016 and 2017, with the elation clear for all associated with Mary Immaculate.