Roscommon duo keep DCU on track for O’Connor Cup
Aisling Hanly was DCU's top scorer in their side's O'Connor Cup semi-final success.
Roscommon ladies’ footballers Aisling Hanly, Áine McGrath and Ria Lennon were part of the DCU Dóchas Éireann squad that kept their bid for a fourth successive O’Connor Cup title alive with a hard-fought 1-11 to 2-6 victory over the University of Limerick, who featured Aisling Shanagher from Kilbride, on Wednesday evening.
Kilbride sharpshooter Hanly was the game’s standout forward, finishing as DCU’s top scorer with 1-3 and grabbing what proved to be the decisive goal 11 minutes from time. Her influence was felt from the outset, curling over the opening score and consistently carrying the greatest attacking threat on the Maguires 4G pitch.
While Hanly delivered the headline moment, Áine McGrath produced an assured performance in the DCU full back line, helping contain a lively UL attack that struck two goals but found clear-cut chances hard to come by. The Roscommon defender’s composure and reading of the game were central to DCU soaking up UL’s late pressure.
DCU led 0-6 to 1-2 at half-time but struggled to shake off UL, who twice drew level in the second half. However, once Hanly pounced for her 49th minute goal, DCU finally created daylight, pushing four points clear before UL mounted a late surge.
A tense finish followed, with UL’s Niamh Quinn netting her second goal to leave just a single point between the sides. But a late long range free dropped short, allowing DCU to hang on and book their place in another final as they chase an eighth title overall.
For DCU, the Roscommon pair were central — Hanly delivering the scores that mattered, and McGrath anchoring a defence that held firm when the pressure came on.
DCU will face TU Dublin in the O'Connor Cup final on Saturday, March 14th at St. Clare's, DCU (throw in 4 p.m.).
In the Lagan Cup final, a Mary Immaculate College side featuring Michael Glaveys' Shannon Hibbitt were defeated by DCU 7-14 to 5-14.
Meanwhile, the Roscommon U-16 LGFA team have confirmed that Eabhanna Sheridan (St. Croan's) will captain the team this year while St. Faithleach's' Sophie Cox will serve as vice captain.
Scorers for DCU Dóchas Éireann: A. Hanly (1-3); C. Kilmurry (0-2); F. McLaughlin, A. Cullen (free), H. McGinnis, R. Sargent, K. Doe (free), N. Flanagan (0-1 each).
Scorers for University of Limerick: N. Quinn (2-0); K Hogan, L. Normanly (1f) (0-2 each); A. Garland, J. Doohan (0-1 each).
DCU Dóchas Éireann: R. Murray; A. McGrath, A. Temple Asokuh, N. Donlon; C. Durkan, N. Crowley, F. McLaughlin; N. Flanagan, H. McGinnis; R. Sargent (captain), A. Cullen, C. Kilmurry; S. Reynolds, K. Doe, A. Hanly. Subs: S. Gallagher for Cullen (42 mins), J. Mortimer for Donlon (60 mins); N. Hannon for Doe (60 mins).
University of Limerick: M.E. Butler; E. Power, A. Peters, S. Ní Scanlain; E. Mitchell, J. Doohan, S. Touhy; A. Garland, K. Slattery; L. Noone, K. Hogan, R. Leahy; L. Normanly, B. Nolan, N. Quinn. Subs: H. Brennan for Peters (26); C. English for Nolan (39 mins), O. Ryan for Slattery (39 mins), T. Collins for Brennan (39 mins); E. Woulfe for Normanly (55 mins); B. Nolan for Power (60+4).
Referee: C.McCarthy (Cork).
