By Gavin Cawley
The battle to win this years Independent.ie Fitzgibbon Cup started on Tuesday afternoon with holders Mary Immaculate College registering a victory over GMIT.
Group A
The current champions, Mary Immaculate College, got their campaign off to winning start proving too strong for GMIT winning 2-23 to 0-16 against GMIT. The champions controlled the match, spearheaded by Darragh ODonavan and Limerick's Cian Lynch, who both played key parts in the win for Limerick college.
MeanwhileIT Carlow, who have progressed from the Bord Na Mona Walsh Cup group stages, continued to show good form as they had too much to spare over DIT winning 4-18 - 1-15. A brace of goals from Chris Bolger proved to be the difference for DJ Carey's side.
Group B
UL were always in command against CIT. John McGrath was in fine form for UL scoring 1-8 in the 2-23 to 0-16 victory. Leading at the break by 2-13 to 0-9 UL continued to dominate in the second half.
Group C
LIT had too much for the challenge of Trinity College winning by 4-21 to 0-7. LIT, managed by Davy Fitzgerald, were always in control leading at the break by 4-8 to 0-4. Trinity, in their first appearance in the Fitzgibbon Cup for 15 years, kept trying, but couldn't eat into the LIT lead.
DCU Dchas ireann were the main story as they caused the biggest upset of the day when getting the better of WIT. Patrick Curran got the only goal of the match midway through the opening half ensuring DCU led at the break,1-7 to 0-7.
The second half opened with WIT closing the gap to single point before DCU got into gear with scores from Rian McBride and Curran as DCU Dchas ireann got off to winning start,1-14 to 0-10.
Group D
UCC had too much firepower for University Ulster as they came out comfortable winners 5-13 to 2-4 . UCC led at half time by 3-6 to 1-3.Alan Cadogan scored a hat- trick of goals for his side while Rob O'Shea also netted twice as hosts eased to victory.
Nicky Englishs UCD got off to winning ways in Belfield as they came out on top 0-21- to 0-13 in an entertaining contest against Maynooth University. Ten points from Waterfords DJ Foran were instrumental for UCD.
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