This is only the start of it for the hurlers of DCU Dóchas Éireann.
The Glasnevin college have been rising and rising over the last few years. They’ve claimed scalps before, reaching the league final this year. They were knocked out at the quarter final stage of the Fitzgibbon Cup last year by UCC in the Mardyke, but only just.
Today, the North Dublin college made a mark. An indelible mark on college’s hurling that saw their odds shot from 14s this morning to 10/1 this afternoon to lift the Fitzgibbon Cup in February.
They went down to Moylish, Limerick IT’s back yard on Monday morning as underdogs. They didn’t play like underdogs. Wearing their navy strip, they bossed Davy Fitzgerald’s side.
Fitz half time @DCUGAAAcademy 2-7 @LITSports 0-8 goals from @de_burka98 and Pat Curran
— DCU Dóchas Éireann GAA Club (@DCUDocEirGAA) January 22, 2018
From Wexford’s Paudie Foley at centre back to Kilkenny’s John Donnelly in the half forward line, DCU had the home side’s measure.
Eoin Roche’s men led by five points at half-time, with green flags from Dublin senior Donal Burke and Waterford senior Patrick Curran proving the difference between the sides.
They held a five point lead at the interval with the score 2-7 to 0-8 in their favour.
Throw in twenty mins away here in Moylish @DCUGAAAcademy v @LITSports in #FitzgibbonCup @HigherEdGAA pic.twitter.com/9k6DrBC5tF
— DCU Dóchas Éireann GAA Club (@DCUDocEirGAA) January 22, 2018
The home side did mount a comeback in the second half, with goals from Clare duo Peter Duggan and David Reidy setting up a frantic finale.
Burke’s second three pointer of the day sealed matters for the travelling side, however, and they gritted their teeth to eke out a one point victory in this first round tie.
3-15 to 2-17 was the final score.
They’ve been threatening to make this mark for quite a while. Last year, their freshers won the All-Ireland. The year before they lost the final in that grade. This side is a combination of those sides, along with some hangers on from the year before.
It makes them a force to be reckoned with.
