IT Tralee retained the O'Connor Cup after a thrilling final at the Keirins O'Rahilly's pitch, Tralee, yesterday.

Tralee had to fight all the way for their victory against a dogged UCD who missed a first half penalty.

Tralee led 0-7 to 0-5 at the break with their inspirational captain, Geraldine O'Shea, scoring four points while Anne McGillicuddy scored four for UCD. UCD began the second half well. Olivia Condon was first on the score-sheet with a point and Tralee were rocked when Breda Morrissey fired home a goal. This was quickly followed by a McGillicuddy point to leave UCD 1-7 to 0-8 in front.

However, Tralee came storming back with midfielder Terry O'Connor racing through for two fine points and Geraldine O'Shea added four more. UCD scored a late consolation goal through Breda Morrissey.

Tralee IT: P O'Neill; G O'Shea, M O'Connor, R Kennedy; A Cullen, N O'Connor, E Slattery; K O'Connor 0-3, R Collins; N Chambers 0-1, G O'Shea 0-8, N Farrell 0-1; N Carroll 0-3, E Sayers 0-1, S Delaney.

UCD: M Fitzmaurice; V Curtis, U Burke, A M Crowley; L Muckian, M Price, A Collins; N Treacy, D Ward; P Dowling, E Carroll 0-1, E Biggins, L Doherty 0-2, B Morrissey 2-0, A McGillicuddy 0-5. Subs: A McCormack for Dowling; O Condon for Curtis; D McDonagh for Doherty.

Referee: F O'Driscoll (Dublin).