GAA Round-Up : FBD League & McGrath Cup

FBD League

Leitrim and Galway claimed wins, while Roscommon and IT Sligo drew in the opening round of the 2014 FBD League. Reigning FBD League champions Leitrim opened their defence with a 1-14 to 1-11 win over GMIT. Leitrim did enough to hold out for victory despite a close encounter with the students.

Former Kildare player James Kavanagh delivered a man of the match performance for Galway, as they won on a 3-10 to 0-08 scoreline over Sligo. Adrian Marren opened the scoring for the visitors, but Galway worked hard, with an early goal seeing them in command for the first half. The hosts led by 1-02 to 0-04 at half-time, and moved 3-05 to 0-04 in front early in the second half via goals from Michael Martyn and Concannon. Galway stood firm to deliver an 11-point win.

Roscommon and IT Sligo drew 1-14 a piece after a tight contest. Roscommon were strongest early on, with a Conor Devaney goal, however, the students took control before the break, scoring 1-03 unanswered to tie the game at half time. There was little to separate the teams in the second half as the draw game prevailed.

Connacht champions and last years All-Ireland runners-up Mayo will face NUI Galway in the final opening-round game next Friday night.

McGrath Cup

Kerry, Cork, Cork IT and UL all advanced to the semi finals of the McGrath cup after their respective victories.

Kerry were never troubled with a 0-17 to 0-08 win over IT Tralee. Eamon Fitzmaurice's men led by 0-09 to 0-02 at half-time and continued to out score their opponents in a comfortable fashion.

Brian Cuthbert got off to the best possible start as Cork manager with a 3-22 to 7 points win over Limerick IT. Cork led by 1-15 to 0-00 at half-time and finished the stronger in this very one sided affair as they ran out 24 point winners.

CIT hammered Mary Immaculate at home to pave a way for them to the semi final stage. CIT led by 3-08 to 1-03 at half-time and continued to rip through Mary Immaculate running out convincing winners 5-17 to 2-06.

A high scoring encounter seen UL overcome UCC on a 5-18 to 4-16 scoreline at the Gaelic Grounds to set up a semi final meeting with Cork. With 9 goals registered throughout the game, both defenses experienced high intensity pressure. Both teams lead at different stages, but it was the Limerick students who finished the better in a blustery encounter.