Mark Gibbons of TUS Midlands looks to give a pass during the Sigerson Cup game against SETU Carlow earlier this month. Photo: Pat Ahern.

TUS Midlands to face DCU in Sigerson Cup knockout clash

Kieran Galvin

Published: Wed 24 Jan 2024, 2:15 PM

Last updated: Wed 24 Jan 2024, 2:21 PM

TUS Midlands are preparing to face DCU Dóchas Éireann in a knockout Sigerson Cup clash in Athlone tonight (Wednesday), throw-in 7.45pm.

The Athlone side edged out SETU Carlow (3-11 to 2-13) in the opening round of the Sigerson Cup, before losing to Queen's University by 1-14 to 1-10 at Páirc Esler, Newry last week.

A late goal by Westmeath's Jack Torpey was crucial to the win over SETU Carlow, while Tubberclair's Matthew Whittaker and Mayo's Mark Gibbons also found the net in that game - see report here.

Brían Cooney (a Coralstown/Kinnegad clubmate of Torpey) scored the TUS goal against Queen's but it wasn't enough to deny the Belfast side, who had been set up for victory by Joe McDaid's green flag.

Having had to travel to Carlow and Newry in their last two games, TUS will be happy to have a home venue in Athlone tonight, with the winners advancing to the quarter-finals.

The TUS Midlands team is managed by former Maryland and Westmeath footballer David Martin.

There are several players from various parts of the Midlands in the TUS squad including Declan Kenny, Daniel Farrell (both Padraig Pearses), Daragh Finlass (Ballymahon), Cormac Delaney (Clara), Daragh Flynn (Ferbane), Kieran Colclough (Athlone), Shane Fleming (Coralstown/Kinnegad), Brandon Kelly (Milltownpass) and Brendan Killian (Shandonagh), in addition to the aforementioned Whittaker, Torpey and Cooney.

DCU Dóchas Éireann defeated SETU Carlow and lost to Queen's in their previous Sigerson Cup games, so the respective formlines suggest tonight's game should be a close one. No doubt, TUS Midlands will be hoping for plenty of support in Athlone on the night.

TUS Midlands team & scorers (v Queen's): Jake Shiels; David Dempsey, Daniel Farrell, Matthew Whittaker (0-2); Jack Torpey, Daragh McVann, Jack Dowd (0-1); Cormac Delaney (0-2, 2 '45s) Aaron Hughes; Brendan Killian, Mark Gibbons (0-2, 1 mark) Shane Farrell; David Corrigan (0-1), Shane Fleming, Luke Marren (0-2, 2f). Subs used: Brandon Kelly for Fleming (27 mins), Brían Cooney (1-0) for S Farrell (H-T), Kieran Colclough for Killian (45), Joe McMahon for Hughes (52), Oisin Flynn for Torpey (58).

Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup fixture - Wednesday, January 24: TUS Midlands v DCU Dóchas Éireann (TUS, Athlone, 7.45pm).