Jamie Wall's pride in being part of Fitzgibbon Cup

Jamie Wall declared himself proud to be part of the fabric of the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup after Mary Immaculate College took victory in Saturday’s final.

University of Limerick were seeking a third straight title in the decider at Abbeydorney but Mary I came out on top by 2-14 to 1-15. Wall was also in charge for the 2017 win, having been a selector for the maiden title a previously.

The manager for that 2016 win, Limerick great Eamonn Cregan, was among those namechecked by Wall in his post-match interview, where he paid tribute to the people his squad were developing into.

"It's the best competition in the GAA as far as I'm concerned,” he said.

"No, look, it's something that for the people involved, it's such an emotional thing.

"I saw during the week the University of Ulster won [the Sigerson Cup], Tommy Joe [Farrell] who has given so many years there. You remember Dave Billing in UCD, guys like Eamonn Cregan in Mary I, who was in charge for so long before he won it.

"Every college has these guys. It's not about the hurling, really. Those guys, maybe myself in years to come...our thing is about those young fellas, them growing up, help them get through college, get their degrees, become part of our world.

"To see them go on now and become the teachers of the world, it's such an encouraging thing. They are brilliant fellas and will be brilliant role models. The future is bright."

With the wind in the first half, Mary I led by 2-8 to 0-7 as half-time approached thanks to goals from Devon Ryan and goalkeeper Jason Gillane but a green flag from UL’s Gearóid O’Connor had the champions within four points at the break.

On the resumption, UL – seeking a first three-in-a-row since UCC in 1998 – moved ahead but they couldn’t shake off Mary I.

Points from Ryan and Shane Meehan had the challengers back in front and, though UL pressed for an equaliser, it was Mary I’s captain, Colin O’Brien from Liscarroll-Churchtown Gaels, who got the clinching score.

“I am so proud of the lads because it looked as if we had left it behind when they went two up,” Wall said.

“I think that is what makes the win the sweeter and the more pleasing, because it was not a stroll or a lucky break, we rallied and rallied and took the hits.

"They are smashing fellas and they are such role models. I mean just look at Cathal Quinn and the ball he won. We brought Shane ‘The Bull’ O’Brien out the field and he won ball out the field when it wasn’t coming in.

"He reminds me so much of when we had Aaron Gillane in second year, who was able to play inside and outside. He is still U20 and his potential is frightening.”