Waterford IT were crowned Ashbourne Cup champions at DCU today with a 2-12 to 0-12 win over the University of Limerick.
The game started late thanks to an absolutely thrilling Purcell Cup final between Mary Immaculate College and DIT. The game ended in a draw, 1-15 to 2-12 and went to extra time much to the excitement of spectators.
However, as the final whistle blew on extra time, the two sides were still on level pegging, 2-14 to 1-17, and a second round of extra time was called. Again, it was a close affair and once more, the sides matched each other score for score, finishing yet again on a draw – DIT 3-14 to Mary I 1-20.
That game will now go to a replay to take place in the coming weeks.
The Ashbourne Cup final kicked off then and despite the wet and miserable conditions, UL and WIT did not disappoint the crowd, with a phenomenal showcase of camogie.
Waterford pushed ahead in the opening half thanks to two first half goals sending them into a 2-8 to 0-8 lead at the break.
Preparing for the @3rdLevelCamogie #ashbourne100 final. Best of luck to @WITGAA camogie and @ul_gaa camogie pic.twitter.com/23jXnwPQGX
— @officialcamogie (@OfficialCamogie) February 15, 2015
Despite immense pressure from Limerick though, it just wasn’t enough as those first half goals proved to be decisive and were all that separated the two sides when the final whistle blew on a 2-12 to 0-12 scoreline.
WIT were crowned champions once more having won the cup five years in-a-row up until last year – when UL took the honours – and there were big celebrations as the centenary year of the competition was also marked.
After a fantastic display, Patricia Jackman of WIT was awarded Player of the Match.
More from today’s action to follow.
Video and pics via YouTube/Jerome Quinn