In attendance at the draw of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships at Croke Park today is Queen's University Belfast football manager, Conor Deegan. Through its #FirstClassRivals campaign, this season Electric Ireland will continue to celebrate the unique alliances that form between county rivals as they come together in pursuit of some of the most coveted titles across Camogie and GAA. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
By Cian O’Connell
Decades spent as a player and coach, at every level, ensures many lessons have been learned by Conor Deegan. Still, there is just something different about the Sigerson Cup.
Managing Queens University matters deeply. A connection has been formed between the panel and those in charge. “I've to be honest, in all the management and coaching jobs, it is by far and away the best,” Deegan says. “It is the one I enjoy the most and have enjoyed the most.”
The fact that footballers, some inter-county seniors, others promising at underage level, and emerging club players combine brings possibilities. “You're right, the quality of player you get, the person, you've so many positives with it, and it is a truly enjoyable experience,” he adds.
“I know we try to make it an enjoyable experience for the players. A lot of people, at times you're almost afraid to say, have fun, enjoy it, you can have fun in many different ways, but playing good football is one way, winning matches is another way.
“The fact that they come together, and I think we've eight different counties represented within the squad. I think the only one we don't have is somebody from Cavan. To bring all the guys together, to blend them in, to get them enjoying each other’s company, to meld them into playing a good style of football from our perspective, is an enjoyable experience.
“It is very much player driven and player led, we will just guide them. Their education, at the end of the day, is the most important thing through Queens.”
Friendships have been forged, and Deegan, a two-time All-Ireland winner with Down in the 09s, accepts that a special bond exists in the third level game. “There is, absolutely,” he responds.
Queens manager Conor Deegan speaks to his team after an Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup win over DCU at The Dub in January. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile
“I know when we were going through the draw, people talk about it because it is unique. You're bringing these disparate lads together. It is something very special. The three, four, five-year window when they'll play a bit of ball with each other, we're strong advocates for ensuring they go out together, that they enjoy each other’s company, that they be together.
“That is all part and parcel of it. The feedback that we've always got is that it is the thing they'll remember, the friendships they build. It is almost a whimsical way of looking at it now, the way football is going, it is an integral part of what we're doing.
“They enjoy it and it is great to watch. When you see them and you know they've developed that close bond, you know you're on the right road, too. From our perspective, it is very, very good.”
Deegan is encouraged about the work being carried out by Conor Laverty with Down, who secured the Tailteann Cup this year, earning a place in the All-Ireland series in 2025. “In fairness, they had to get promoted last year,” Deegan says.
“There is a feel-good factor a bit at the moment, we've got funding for our Centre of Excellence going into Ballykinlar, which is huge. It is badly needed; it is long overdue.
“We've good footballers in the county. Like a lot of things, they've to buy in, believe. The important thing this year is to ensure we stay in Division Two.
“Getting promoted would be absolutely unbelievable, but it is a very tough division. Armagh beat them in the championship by a point, so you never know, and you live in hope. There is an improvement in that side of things and that is the most important factor at the moment.”
