Fresher hurlers beat QUB, UUJ , and LIT to reach semis.Freshers lost to UCC in semifinal (March 2004).
Senior hurlers lost to eventual winners Cork CFE 2-13 to 2-11 in Ryan Cup semi (5 March 2004).Senior Hurlers reach Ryan Cup Finals weekend, defeating hosts Athlone IT 2-10 to 1-8 in the 1/4 finals.Senior hurlers reach league semis defeating UUJ, QUB and Trinity, losing out to DIT.Intermediate hurlers reach Divison 3 quarter-finals, losing out to yet another Cork team,
CIT.Datapac
HE Freshers Hurling Semi-final
UCC
4-13 IT Sligo 2-13
The
fresher hurling team of IT Sligo bowed out last Thursday in Gort to a
well-balanced and spirited UCC. The Cork college had the best of the breezy
conditions during the first half putting on 1-3 without score in the first ten
minutes, following some ponderous defending from the IT Sligo backs, who were
depleted missing the services of regular
full-back Owen Callanan and Stephen Connell. Gerry Farragher pointed from a
free but it was not until the 17th minute when IT Sligo started a
revival instigated by Keith Higgins switching to a midfield role from
full-forward. Higgins and Farragher’s quick provided a
number of chances and points from forwards Niall Clogan and an excellent point
from Calry clubman Michael Gilmartin. However UCC fought back in an open game
to point from frees and play and goal again near half-time to leave the score
2-6 to 0-6 at the break in favour of the Corkmen. The other IT Sligo scores
came from Gerry Farragher, two from frees.
With
wind advantage IT Sligo made the start they desired with Farragher and Burke
firing over from distance to reduce the gap to four points. Unfortunately for
the Sligo hurlers this was as close as they would get to a determined and
skilful UCC, with a number of frees and a sloppy goal conceded mid-way through
the half. Points were traded with Burke and Farragher accurate with much
needed points and a 21m free goaled by Farragher, before UCC plundered another
goal to leave the scores 3-9 to 1-8 with 10 minutes to play. Colm Crowley from
Cork goaled for IT Sligo following a great solo run and Keith Higgins and
Burke added points, however UCC grabbed another goal and a succession of
points to maintain their 6 point half-time lead at the finish.
Noel
Qualter and Stephen Coyne were the best of an under-strength defence, with
Sean Melia sustaining an injury early in the game further weakening the Sligo
backline.
Colm
Crowley and Keith Higgins tried hardest in the forwards ands showed some
inspirational flashes, complementing the work of Farragher and Burke at
midfield.
IT
Sligo Team and Scorers:
Seamus
Cahill (Galway); Dave Rabbitte (Galway), Stephen Coyne (Mayo), Joe Butler
(Mayo); Brian Farrell (Galway), Noel Qualter (Galway), Sean Melia (Roscommon);
Ger Farragher (Galway) 1-7 (1-5f), Peter Burke (Galway) 0-3;
Michael Gilmartin (Sligo) 0-1, Colm Crowley (Cork) 1-0, Brendan
Cummins (Galway); John Dolan (Sligo), Keith Higgins (Mayo) 0-1, Niall
Clogan (Limerick) 0-1. Sub: Christy Morley (Mayo).
Referee: Michael Haverty (Galway).
Ryan Cup SH
Quarter-final 2004
At Ballinode
IT Sligo 2-10 Athlone IT 1-8
IT Sligo –
P Mulry, S Melia, O Callanan, S Connell, V Comerford, N Qualter, C Flanagan, G
Farragher 0-7, B Gantley, D McDonagh, D McKillop, P Burke, C Crowley 1-0, J
Maher 0-2, B Lawless. Sub – R Hayes 1-1 for Burke.
Athlone IT – D Burke, G Hogan, N Corcoran, C O’Brien, P Flynn, B
Teehan, D Dervan, K Briscoe, A Flaherty, M Nestor, J Mullins 0-1, C Fahy B
Lucas 0-5, C Cloonan 0-1, M Ryan 1-1. Subs – E Lynan for Flaherty, M
McNamara for Ryan, A Corcoran for Hogan.