University of Limerick 2-20

University of Galway 2-16

By Shane King

The University of Limerick captured the Higher Education Division One Football League crown for the first time in their history at Maguire’s on Wednesday night, producing an impressive display despite playing the final third of the contest with only fourteen men.

David Power, the former Tipperary manager now in his debut season with UL, will have been encouraged by the pace and intent shown throughout. UL led by three at the interval after a strong opening half in which they consistently looked the sharper outfit. A Seán Morohan goal straight from the second-half throw-in proved decisive, propelling UL firmly into the driving seat.

UG, however, mounted a spirited resurgence. A late push brought them back within reach, but a crucial late two-pointer from Cian McHale ensured UL’s breakthrough triumph.

While the Sigerson Cup remains the primary ambition for the Shannonsiders, early-season silverware provides valuable momentum. Power and his new-look management team will know they have a talented and versatile squad at their disposal.

UL’s victory was anchored by standout performances from Frank Irwin, Seán Morohan, Brian McNamara, Conal Dawson and the tireless Cillian Campbell. Charlie King and Paddy O’Driscoll also shone in the wing-back roles, offering energy and composure throughout, while goalkeeper Tristan O’Callaghan proved rock-solid under pressure, snuffing out UG’s late hopes of a match-levelling green flag.

The conditions at Maguire’s contributed to the spectacle. Despite recent heavy rain, the UL pitch held up superbly, allowing for a high-tempo, high-quality game that featured six two-pointers.

The teams were level five times in a lively opening half, before UL ultimately edged ahead by three at the break. UG had struck first through Dara Hurley, whose goal opened a four-point gap, but McNamara’s reply within minutes swung momentum back to UL, making it 1-4 to 1-3.

UG’s second goal came from Eoin Colleran after excellent link-play involving Clare’s Mark McInerney, and the visitors were clinical in that first period. Yet late scores, including a fine two-pointer from Conal Dawson, pushed UL into a 1-13 to 2-7 lead at halftime.

Morohan’s second-half goal from the throw-in was pivotal, particularly given the red card that followed soon after. The centre back burst through the centre before drop-kicking to the net, and a Frank Irwin free stretched the advantage to seven.

Despite UL being reduced to fourteen, UG struggled to fully capitalise. Shane McGrath’s pair of late two-pointers narrowed the gap, but Maurice Sheridan’s side wasted several promising opportunities, with three shots driven wide and two more blocked.

UL were on top in the closing stages, with Cian McHale landing a crucial two-point free and Frank Irwin adding a point from play to finally put the contest beyond doubt, sealing the title and crowning a seamless league campaign.

Scorers - UL: F Irwin 0-9 (6f, 1 tpf); S Morohan 1-2; C Dawson 0-4 (1 tp); C McHale 0-3 (tpf, f); B McNamara 1-0; P O’Driscoll and J McCabe 0-1 each.

UoG: S McGrath 0-5 (2tp); E Colleran 1-2; D Hurley 1-1; C O Curraoin 0-3 (1 tpf); M McInerney 0-2 (1 ’45); L O’Connor 0-1

UL: Tristan O’Callaghan; Cillian Campbell, Thomas Ross, Jack O’Neill; Paddy O’Driscoll, Seán Morohan, Charlie King; Brian McNamara, Hugh O’Loughlin; Conal Dawson, Jack McCabe, Cathal Brosnan; Jack Melvin, Cian McHale, Frank Irwin. Subs: James Morris for O’Neill (20); David Buckley for Melvin (39); Cathal Corless for Brosnan (46); Andrew Meade for McCabe (61).

UoG: Cillian Walsh; Eoin Finnerty, Colm Moriarty, Jack Folan; Conor Harley, Brian Cogger, Darragh Lowry; Canice Mulligan, Seán Hansberry; Dara Hurley, Matt Thompson, Shane McGrath; Eoin Colleran, Cillian Ó Curraoin, Mark McInerney. Subs: Rory Hester for Hansberry (35); Luc O’Connor for Harley (42); Jack Lonergan for Lowry (45); Eanna Monaghan for Hurley (47); Jack Nolan for McGrath (63).

Referee: Seán Lonergan (Tipperary).

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UL GAA Club are delighted to announce the launch of the Club’s very own streaming service, UL GAA TV ?

Proudly supported by @performhq, UL GAA TV will broadcast 15 live games across the HigherEd GAA, Ladies HEC and 3rd Level Camogie leagues and championships in 2025/26, with a further 15 to come next season.

Don’t miss a moment with a Season Pass available for just €50! Individual games will be available to stream for €6 per match. With the 2025/26 getting underway next week, you can register now through the link ulgaa.tv

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Jersey Night at CASK – Monday, 6th October

One of the best nights of the year is back.

Live music from Dan Treacy (9:30 – 11:30 PM)
DJ Paudie from 11:30 PM until late
Dress Code: Any jersey (club, county, country, or team)
Doors open at 9:00 PM
Early Bird Tickets: €12 (limited availability)
https://shorturl.at/qb3fB

Dear Members, 

We are sending you this email to make you aware of an upcoming event that Munster GAA are running in conjunction with the 3 universities in Limerick to recruit new referee's, both male and female. The course runs for 2 face to face evenings, Monday October 6th and Monday October 13th, and 2 online sessions, at the end of which you will be qualified as a referee.

 Refereeing is a great pastime for students who have an interest in Gaelic Games and is a great opportunity to earn extra cash while you are studying. The course is free of charge and alongside the qualification it is a great opportunity to network with like minded students. 

We hope as many of you as possible can attend.

 Pease see attached link for the Munster Bursury Application for Members of UL GAA Club. All Applications are online this year and no forms will be accepted on paper to the GAA Office. Applications close at 5pm on Ocober 5th. 

https://forms.office.com/e/yBx7vQux89

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Trial & Training Schedule for Semester 1, Week 3                                                                                                                                                                                                 

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Trail & Training Schedule for Semester 1, Week 2                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Dear Member,

It’s with great excitement and pleasure that the University of Limerick GAA Club welcomes you to both the University of Limerick and more specifically, the UL GAA Club. Please read this email carefully as it contains a lot of information you will be required to know for the season ahead!

As one of the largest and most successful clubs in the university, we are delighted to have you join a community that boasts:

• Over 1,400 current members
• A network of 120,000 alumni
• 130 dedicated management members
• 24 competitive teams across Hurling, Football, Camogie, and Ladies Football
• An impressive 37 major titles won in the past 3 years

Following a hugely successful season across all four codes, UL GAA is set for another exciting year of competition, development, and club spirit.

Our Teams:

• 7 Men’s Football Teams
• Fitzgibbon 1 (Senior)
• Fitzgibbon 2 (Intermediate)
• Junior 1
• Junior 2
• Fresher 1
• Fresher 2
• Fresher 3
• 7 Men’s Hurling Teams
• Sigerson 1 (Senior)
• Sigerson 2 (Intermediate)
• Junior 1
• Junior 2
• Fresher 1
• Fresher 2
• Fresher 3
• 4 Camogie Teams
• Ashbourne (Senior 1)
• Purcell (Senior 2)
• Fr. Meaghair (Intermediate)
• Aisling Murphy (Junior)
• 6 Ladies Football (LGFA) Teams
• O Connor Cup (Senior 1)
• Giles (Senior 2)
• Moynihan (Intermediate 1)
• Donaghy (Intermediate 2)
• Lagan (Junior 1)
• HEC (Junior 2)

We support all levels of participation, from Fresher to Senior grades. Please note that while we offer various levels of play, we currently do not have a complete beginner’s team.

Whether you're here to enjoy the sport or compete at the elite level, UL GAA will provide you the platform to shine in top-tier competitions like the Fitzgibbon Cup, Sigerson Cup, Ashbourne Cup, and O’Connor Cup.

Register for Trials Today at 1pm

To take part in team trials and get involved this season, please register for the relevant events through the UL Wolves system.

Some important info to note:

·         You must be a member to trail, train or play

·         You must book online to trial or train

Register here: https://cp.ulwolves.ie/manage/events

Events will go live on the system today at 1pm, so don’t miss the chance to book your place as its first come first served. We will have trials for 3 weeks across all teams so everyone should have ample opportunity.

Please note Fitzgibbon 1&2 will begin trials in week 3!

Training & Club Communication

Teams usually train twice a week, or train once and play 1 game per week on the grass pitches or 4G pitches at Maguire’s and North Campus.

To stay fully up to date with:

• Training times and venues
• Match results
• Team announcements
• Social Events
• Club news and events

Upcoming Events & News

·         UL GAA O’Neills Leisure Wear (A link will be sent out to members only next week with details)

·         UL GAA Jersey Night in CASK Bar & Nightclub (October 6th) Ticket sale link will follow next week to members only

Please follow our official social media channels:

Instagram: @ulgaaofficial
Twitter/X: @ul_gaa
TikTok: @ulgaaclub

Podcast: https://shorturl.at/72zkL

All key updates will be posted here throughout the season, so don’t miss out!

If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at ulgaaclub@gmail.com. Please be aware we receive a high volume of emails between weeks 1 – 4 so be patient when waiting for a reply.

We’re excited to have you on board and look forward to seeing you on the pitch!

Is mise le meas,
UL GAA Club Committee

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