NUI Galway claim Michael Byrne Cup

For the first time in over a decade NUI Galway have some major silverware on the College campus after they won the Michael Byrne Cup final last Thursday.

Goals by Gary Mullin and Sean Gavin saw them defeat Hibernians 2-1 in the decider in Eamonn Deacy Park.  They took the lead midway through the opening half, when Stephen Rodden and Tommy Bradshaw provided the assists for Mullin to take a touch and make it 1-0 with a neat effort over the advancing John Cotter.

They added a second on the resumption when Gavin stooped low to head in a Bradshaw corner; and were denied a third when Brian O’Grady had a potential score ruled out for offside.

The goals were a signal for Hibernians to throw the book at the Students and were rewarded when Martin Coady headed in a Keith Ward corner to reduce the arrears to 2-1.

With the Bohermore outfit going to three at the back in the latter stages, it presented NUI Galway with opportunities on the counter attack, but some smart goalkeeping by Cotter thwarted Eoin Murphy, Niall Whelan and Evan Boyce.

Hibernians almost rescued a late result when a Keith Ward free kick shaved the angle of the woodwork, in the closing minutes.

After the game NUI Galway captain Ger Cheevers was presented with the Michael Byrne Cup, which will be displayed at the NUIG Soccer Club banquet which is being held in the Westwood House Hotel on Sunday October 26 to mark the club’s hosting of the 2015 Collingwood Cup next February.

The Third Level leagues kick off this week, with the All Weather in Fahy’s Field hosting two games this afternoon (Tuesday).

At 2.15, GMIT B host the GMIT Mayo Campus in a Division Two tie, while at 4.30pm, GMIT meet Letterkenny in a Division One fixture.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 1.30pm, Dangan will host the all local meeting of NUI Galway and Galway Technical Institute.