UUJ 1-16 1-14 Garda College

UUJ captain Peter Donnelly lifts the cup with Mark Lynch

UUJ captured their fifth Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup thanks to a two-point extra-time success against Garda College in Carlow on Tuesday night.

James McGovern and Ciaran Donnelly of UUJ were sent-off in extra-time.

UUJ led 0-8 to 0-5 at half-time with Paddy Cunningham getting five of their points and it was his goal which stretched the lead to 1-9 to 0-6.

Garda's John O'Brien sent a 14-metre free straight into the net but UUJ sealed victory in the end.

Contesting their first final since 1999, Garda had got off to a bright start with a brace of Mark Harrington points ensuring a 0-3 to 0-2 after seven minutes.

Harrington and Offaly's Rory Guinan led the Garda College attack in the opening quarter while Westmeath's Graham Dillon and Darren Mullahy of Galway were solid on the half-back line.

A livelier UUJ attack made the best use of possession in the second quarter where Antrim senior Cunnigham starred.

UUJ began the second half in determined fashion, and thanks to a Cunningham goal they lead by 1-9 to 0-6 five minutes after the restart.

However, Garda responded immediately with that O'Brien free.

A second Lynch point saw UUJ break three points clear with eight minutes remaining but scores from O'Brien, Harrington and substitute James Martin forced extra-time.

Cunningham and Lynch were again on fire in the opening stages of extra-time but industrious work from Guinan ensured the sides were level at 1-14 apiece at the break.

However UUJ were not to be denied as scores from Lynch and Cunningham steered them to victory.

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UUJ scorers: P Cunningham 1-9, M Lynch 0-6, A Moran 0-1.

Garda College: R Guinan 0-6, J O'Brien 1-4, M Harrington 0-3, J Martin 0-1.