News

UL Capture 1st Ever Division One Title News: event

Posted On 28th Nov 2025
Posted By GAA
Author Shane King
Location Maguires Grass

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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