In a pivotal Fitzgibbon Cup Round Three encounter, SETU Carlow is set to take on UCD tonight at Belfield, with both teams seeking redemption after recent losses to the University of Galway.
SETU Carlow, coming off a 3-19 to 2-12 defeat, is gearing up for a must-win fixture to revive their campaign. UCD, having also succumbed to Galway last weekend with a scoreline of 1-22 to 2-11, is equally determined to secure a crucial victory.
A total of 12 players from Kilkenny and Carlow will be participants in this high-stakes clash. James Stephens player Eoin Guilfoyle will be donning the UCD jersey, while Shamrocks’ Eoin Cody is set to line out for SETU Carlow.
Speaking to KCLR, former young player of the year Eoin Cody shared his perspective on the challenges he has faced in the Fitzgibbon Cup over the years. He acknowledged the difficulties in finding his footing, especially after returning from Ballyhale. Cody highlighted the struggle of integrating with the team due to post-All Ireland semi-final or final commitments, impacting his performance levels. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play with SETU Carlow.
Cody’s full quote reads: “It’s tough. Yeah, the Fitzgibbon probably hasn’t gone too well for me over the years, unfortunately. I suppose it’s been tough the last couple of years coming back from Ballyhale. I was struggling to maybe be there at times, playing games maybe two or two days after the All-Ireland semi-final or final. It was tough to be kind of ingrained in the team and stuff because I wasn’t used to playing with the lads, and that’s what we’re used to playing with me, and performance levels were not where I wanted it to be. Even again the other day (against Galway), I found it very tough to probably get into the game. But it’s been great to play with SETU Carlow. I’m grateful for the opportunity to hurl here.”
Full List of Players:
University College Dublin:
- Eoin Guilfoyle (James Stephens, Kilkenny)
- Cillian Norton (Danesfort, Kilkenny)
- Cathal Norton (Danesfort, Kilkenny)
SETU Carlow:
- Eoin Cody (Ballyhale Shamrocks, Kilkenny)
- Jack Forristel (Bennetsbridge, Kilkenny)
- Jack Buggy (Erins Own, Kilkenny)
- Cian Kenny (James Stephens, Kilkenny)
- Alan Dunphy (Lisdowney, Kilkenny)
- Chris Nolan (Mount Leinster Rangers, Carlow)
- Jon Nolan (Mount Leinster Rangers, Carlow)
- Richie Whelan (Bagenalstown, Carlow)
- Adam O’Brien (Graigueballycallan, Kilkenny)
