UCD pulled off a dramatic smash and grab raid on Friday night, as they took all three points from Tolka Park with a 1-0 win over Shelbourne.
A Ben Hanrahan goal on 84 minutes sealed the victory for Collie O’Neill’s men.
“That was a big three points for us on Friday night. Said Collie O’Neill. “Three points which on the balance of play we probably didn’t deserve, and I’m sure Shelbourne will feel hard done by. However it’s nice for once, that we’re the team which wins a game after been second best for much of the night. We’ve been on the other side of that fence so often.
“On the positive side of things, we defended well, we had players willing to throw themselves in the line of fire or commit last ditch tackles which kept Shels at bay.”
“Also the strike from Ben was outstanding. As he’s the son of a league of Ireland legend finisher (Peter Hanrahan, who played for Limerick, Dundalk, Bohs and UCD) it’s no surprise he has that quality in his locker. He’s been fantastic in training and has been patient in waiting for his chance for game time as Georgie has been one of our outstanding players this season. If Ben keeps working hard like he has been and takes his chances like he did last night then he’ll have a bright future in the game.”
Hanrahan 19 then followed up that strike with another less than 24 hours later, when he scored for the U-19’s in a 1-1 draw against Cabinteely.