Kerry marksman David Clifford was mobbed by fans after his two late points proved crucial in pushing University of Limerick past DCU and through to the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Final.
Clifford produced when it mattered most at Netwatch Cullen Park and of his four point haul, two came at a late stage when the game was there for either side to win.
UL will now return to nearby IT Carlow next Wednesday to face NUIG in the decider.
And the task to deliver a maiden Sigerson Cup success looks a lot more manageable with the explosive talent of Clifford in their arsenal.
There were two points in each half for the Fossa man, with a free and an effort from play coming in the opening period and helping UL to a 0-7 0-6 half-time lead.
UL rattled over three scores on the bounce to put some room between the sides but DCU came storming back as the fourth quarter neared.
The sides were level at 0-10 apiece late on and again at 0-11 to 0-11 after Connell Dempsey and Jordan Morrissey traded scores at either end.
But with the game in the balance, Clifford's class shone through and as the clock wound down he struck two huge points either side of an effort from Clare's Emmet McMahon to give UL breathing room and ultimately punch their tickets to a first Sigerson Cup Final since 1997.
After the game, Clifford was mobbed on the pitch as fans looked to get a picture with the star of the show.
He has now plundered 4-19 in just four Sigerson Cup outings and he will be keenly watched by fans and NUIG opposition alike when the decider gets underway next week.
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