UCC's Tom Kingston ready for huge test in Fitzgibbon Cup derby with MTU Cork

MTU Cork and UCC are already through to the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup knockout stages ahead of their local derby on Wednesday evening.

Two panels packed with inter-county and emerging talent will face off in a final Fitzgibbon Cup group showdown at MTU Cork’s Campus, 7.45pm.

UCC are searching for their third consecutive group victory having seen off UCD and the University of Galway at the Mardyke over the past fortnight.

The skull and crossbones’ latest outing saw Tom Kingston’s side amass 1-24 and overcome the concession to late goals to see off the University of Galway last week. Ben Cunningham continued his eye-catching Fitzgibbon Cup campaign with nine points with Tipperary’s Darragh Stakelum’s goal also proving a vital score.

The following evening, MTU Cork travelled to Belfield and defeated UCD 3-21 to 1-15 thanks to 1-5 from Cork senior Alan Connolly. That maintained MTU’s undefeated record and cemented a Fitzgibbon knockout berth.

As a result, both Cork colleges have made it through with a group game to spare. That positive scenario for Cork hurling is unlikely to prevent UCC or MTU from tearing into one another on Wednesday night. Local pride, not to mention topping the group is at stake for two college teams with a winning mentality.

UCC Coach and former three-time All-Ireland SHC winner with Cork, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, understands the importance of this college local derby better than most.

“Out of all derby meetings across various sports, this is the one,” Ó hAilpín said after UCC had earned their second Fitzgibbon Cup win in as many outings.

“It’s definitely all to play for. I mean, if you are a UCC player worth your salt, then this game is the one that you look forward to.

Outside of winning the Fitzgibbon Cup itself, you want to beat MTU Cork in any given year. The same is being told to those lads out in Bishopstown.

“What makes it even more intriguing is that you will probably have club fellas marking each other. So they will have to put all that aside on the night. It will be the skull and crossbones all the way from our perspective.” 

STRONG

Seán Óg Ó hAilpín’s sentiments are echoed by UCC manager Tom Kingston.

“I’ve no doubt whatsoever MTU are going to be going out to beat us,” Kingston added.

“If you look at the MTU squad, they’re very, very strong. They have a very good team this year and they are playing at home too so they’re going to have a big support on the night, I’d imagine. We will go out and do our best.” 

Cork hurling fans always enjoy a high-quality Fitzgibbon Cup encounter.

I’d expect a good crowd there in MTU to see the two Cork hurling teams going at it. 

"Especially when there’s something to play for, and there always is always something to play for. We will do our best and we’ll go from there.”