2010 Irish Open Intervarsity Champions
2010 UK Nationals 5th Place
2010 Irish Mixed Intervarsity Champions
2009-2010 Ireland University League Winners
2009 Irish Open Indoor Intervarsity Champions
2008-2009 Ireland University League Winners
2009 UK Nationals Plate Winners
2009 Irish Open Intervarsity Finalists (UCC 1)
2009 Irish Open Intervarsity Spirit Award (UCC 2)
2009 Irish Development-Varsity Winners (featuring ITT)
Cork - Brian, Pete, Dave, Kevin, Paul, JP, Meabh and Tasha. (Donal made sure people had enough custard creams; a quality biscuit and at a nice price)
Limerick - Ammmmmmmmm Jim, James, Liam, Mike, Elaine, Trey, King, Allan, (another girl), (loads more - sorry I should have asked for names) I think about 14 or 15 in total anyway. Good bit of support too.
After some Cork players arrived late, UCC led by Meabh, warmed up. They didn't look much compared to a healthy Limerick squad, with massive support (some supporters could have played but were a little lazy i.e. Cathal).
The pre-match psyche out started with Meabh winning the toss against an undefeated Mike. Being advised by Pete and Brian, she opted to defend first, and then Limerick chose to play upwind. This rather strange choice had to do with the forecasting nature of some Cork people, who thought it would be windier come second half and therefore a greater advantage would be gained, not to mention the fact that they felt good about getting an upwind point.
Cork hucked and the game began. Limerick got off to a flyer: 5 or 6 completed passes, with good continuation flow, and nearly all players getting a touch. Not a single drop (and after the last game they played this was a big thing) . Limerick 1 Cork 0.
Cork regrouped, used their one sub, and tried to score their own downwind point. Alas, nerves played their part as well as an intense Limerick defence, running hard in an effort to tire the small Cork squad and Cork lost the disc. Limerick seized on the opportunity, taking advantage of some Cork players being momentarily out of position and strung together a quick few passes with new beginner players involved, to go 2 - 0 ahead. At this point I discovered that Limerick had decided to change their training regime from none per week to two per week. It definitely made a difference.
Cork rattled, sub on, Cork changed handlers, playing to their key strengths. I.e. Brian and Pete. They're really class like. Not to mention Dave's hammers. The girls ran their hearts out, opening up some space, Brian and Pete worked it up the pitch with short quick passes and suddenly Cork had scored (upwind).
Cork could sniff half time (8) and maybe lost concentration. Suddenly 7-6. Pete and Brian were tiring, not to mention the whole squad (especially Tasha and Meabh who had run more than anyone but hadn't gotten the disctime it deserved). JP, Paul and Kevin savvyed up, making each cut count. I totally can't remember who scored for Cork now, but Cork did score to bring it into half time at 8-6.
Limerick knowing they needed to score, increased pressure on Cork. Tightened up their defence and another little breeze came. Pete dropped one or two, Brian and Dave had a handler mix up, Cork's cuts were defended and poached well to limit the handlers options. Mistakes ensued from Cork and suddenly it was 13-11. Four point in a row for Limerick. Time out Cork. Game to fifteen, Cork cemented their communication lines and the few minutes respite from running were decisive. Donal had his head in the clouds and suddenly it was 14-11, Limericks desire had gone and the urgency to be one of the 7 for the last point wasn't there. Cork worked it up the pitch. Some great endzone defending gave Cork no options, and it got a bit messy. A pass was squeezed out of somewhere and it finished 15-11. Cork lost both calls (albatros and mingle) - enough said.