Hurling & Camogie

Ryan Cup hurling final: Maynooth University 2-19 Ulster University, Jordanstown 0-9

Electric Ireland Ryan Cup hurling final: Maynooth University 2-19 Ulster University, Jordanstown 0-9

Ulster University faced a strong Maynooth University side in Mallow on Saturday, as their quest for a first Electric Ireland Ryan Cup hurling title ended in a 16-point defeat.

On the scoreboard Maynooth University looked dominant, particularly from early on, but UU battled bravely, where in the second half the likes of Antrim's Ryan Eliott, Gerard Walsh, James O'Connell and Conor Carson; Down duo Malachi Magee and Daithi Sands, and Aidy Kelly of Tyrone were among those bursting their guts for Ollie 'Badger' Bellew's side.

UU came into this game off the back of a hard earned semi-final win over pre-tournament favourites GMIT, but with eight freshers involved and without some of their Antrim county contingent, who weren't released by the Saffrons management – added to an injury to Donal McKernan – it meant UU were very much up against it.

“In all fairness today Maynooth were deserving of their win,” Bellew said.

“We played GMIT yesterday and the lads threw everything at it, and the spirit and commitment shown was top notch, but out onto the big pitch for the final.

“In fairness Maynooth were great in the final, and I think our semi-final win completely emptied the tank on us.”

Maynooth laid an onslaught on the UU defence from the off, and after 50 seconds opened their account from Kildare man Jack Travers.

By half-time they led by 0-11 to 0-4 – UU's points equally split between the quarters. Kelly with three frees, and a fine individual score from Sands making up the first half tally.

Man of the Match Brian Hogan and Kilkenny's Padraig Walsh as captain were outstanding for Maynooth.

Elliott pulled off some good blocks, and on the restart UU had their chances. Carlow's Aaron Amond netted for Maynooth, before UU scored two of the next three points from Gerard Walsh and O'Connell.

But Laois's MJ Lalor fired Maynooth's first goal, and by the 48th minute they moved 2-15 to 0-6 ahead.

UU were only outscored by a point over the final 11 minutes – in fact they hit three in a row, but Maynooth finished with four unanswered points.

Maynooth University (Dublin unless stated): E Byrne (Kilkenny); P Smith, E Moloney (Tipperary), S Stafford (Wexford); P Walsh (Kilkenny) (0-5), B Hogan (Tipperary) (0-3, 3f), R Donohoe (Wexford); J Travers (Kildare) (0-1), C Moloney (Tipperary); R Smith (0-2), B McDonnell (0-1), F Bass (Kildare); A Amond (Carlow) (1-1), S Buggy (Kilkenny) (0-3, 3f), M Lalor (Laois) 1-2. Subs: A Hosey (Carlow) for Bass (22); C Kirwan (Offaly) (0-1) for Amond (52); G Egan (Roscommon) for Donohue (57); E O'Hara (Carlow) for Lalor (58); L Mulroney for McDonnell (60).

Ulster University: (Antrim unless stated): R Elliott; C Boyd, T Burns, C Carson; M Fisher (Down), P Burke, G Walsh (0-1, 1f); J O'Connell (0-2), L Dunphy (Kilkenny); K Rice (0-1), J O'Dwyer (Derry), J Ging (Laois); D Sands (Down) (0-1), A Kelly (Tyrone) (0-4, 4f), M Magee (Down). Subs: S Hunter for Ging (13); P McCallion for Dunphy (38); C McHugh for O'Dwyer (41); A Orchin for Fisher (48); S Walsh for Sands (55).

Referee: Cathal McAlister (Cork)