Unbeaten DCU and UL collide in Fitzgibbon Cup decider

The underdogs versus the wolves.

That's the narrative for Saturday's Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup final as DCU Dochas Eireann, chasing a maiden win, prepare to face 2022 and 2023 champions UL, who carry a snarling wolf on their crest.

It will be a fourth consecutive final for UL Wolves who powered their way to this year's decider with four big wins, seven goals and an average victory margin of 13 points.

It is also significant that UL defeated DCU back in December in the Division 1 league final, further underlining their title credentials.

But DCU are desperate for a first ever Fitzgibbon triumph to complete a dream double as their football counterparts collected the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup on Wednesday evening.

"History, the fact that we've never won, none of that stuff has cost us a thought," said DCU manager Paul Carney. "Obviously we are trying to be the first DCU team to win the Fitzgibbon, and that's a fact, but we're ultra focused on our group and what we're doing.

"We've framed it that every game is an opportunity to do something special, as a group, so that's what we're really focusing on. It's about this group as opposed to any bigger picture in terms of what DCU has or hasn't won in the past."

Both sides are unbeaten so far though UL topped the four-team Group A with three wins while DCU had a draw and a win in the three-team Group C.

So while UL qualified directly for a semi-final, DCU were forced to face down holders Mary Immaculate College in an epic quarter-final encounter.

They pulled off a terrific two-point win at St Clare's before similarly dumping out 2020 winners UCC last Tuesday evening in Carlow.

Donal Shirley combined with Offaly counterparts Colin Spain and Sam Bourke for the all-important DCU