Clare's John Conlon was the toast of NUIG after his dramatic extra-time winner ended the Galway university's 30-year wait for Ulster Bank Fitzgibbon Cup honours at Pearse Stadium yesterday.

NUI Galway 1-17
Waterford IT 1-16
(after extra-time)

For the second time in the space of 24 hours NUIG, were forced to dig deep in extra-time, having also gone the distance with competition favourites Limerick IT in the semi-final on Friday. Waterford, who were seeking their second title in three years, dominated the first half and led by 1-7 to 0-4 at the break with Tipperary's Timmy Hammersley, who top-scored with 1-11, getting the goal on the stroke of half-time.

NUIG's task became even more difficult when Colm Bonnar's WIT charges extended their lead to 1-11 to 0-5 within nine minutes of the restart, but amazingly they did not score again in normal time as the hosts took control.

Finian Coone slotted over his fifth point before Caimin Morey's 43rd minute goal brought the winners back into it. Further scores from John Lee, Conlon and Coone reduced the deficit to the minimum before Seamus Hennessy sent over a 62nd minute equaliser to force extra-time.

Barry Daly's point within 30 seconds of the restart gave NUIG the lead for the first time, and while Hammersley replied with two points for Waterford, a Hennessy effort had NUIG 1-14 to 1-13 ahead at the end of the first period.

WIT regained the lead through points from Hammersley and sub Henry Vaugahan at the beginning of the second period, but the hosts were not to be denied and scored three of the next four points - including a late Conlon effort - to end their Fitzgibbon Cup famine. Tweet

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