UCD team-mates Sam Callinan, left, and Daire Cregg pictured at the launch of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships and Camogie Third Level Championships.
Electric Ireland has today teamed up with six intercounty Camogie and GAA stars to look ahead to the upcoming matches and rivalries across the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Championships and the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships. 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.
Despite their strong rivalries through their county allegiance, rising intercounty stars Adam Hogan (Mary Immaculate College & Clare) and Shane O’Brien (Mary Immaculate College & Limerick) will find common ground once again as they aim to defend their Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup title which they took from three time champions University of Limerick in a strong performance last season. Aoife Healy (UCC & Cork) and Eimear Heffernan (UCC & Tipperary), who both featured in the 2024 Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Championships Team of the Year, will put their rivalries to one side as they endeavour to bring the Electric Ireland Ashbourne Cup back to UCC. With the Sigerson Cup on the line, Daire Cregg (UCD & Roscommon) and Sam Callinan (UCD & Mayo) will come together with the aim to secure the prestigious title for the first time since 2018 for UCD.
In the first round of Sigerson Cup action, last year’s finalists UCD will be hosted by UCC in what is set to be an exciting fixture. Reigning Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup champions, Mary Immaculate College, have been drawn in a strong looking Group A that also includes last year’s beaten finalists University of Limerick, SETU Waterford, and ATU Galway, where fixtures will take place in January. Finally Round 1 of the Electric Ireland Ashbourne cup will start up again in the new year where reigning champions University of Limerick will look to defend their title.
Rob Crabbe, Group PR and Sponsorship Manager at Electric Ireland, commented: "We are delighted to welcome back the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships and Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Championships for another thrilling season of competition. These championships showcase the incredible talent and dedication of student-athletes from across the country. We look forward to celebrating the unique camaraderie that develops among these players, representing long-standing rivalries at county level, coming together in the shared pursuit of victory and sporting excellence."
Uachtarán CLG, Jarlath Burns, said: "We are very excited to announce the return of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships, which traditionally herald the commencement of the GAA year. Having played in the Sigerson Cup myself, I personally understand how important the Higher Education Championships are in the development of these young players, and I look forward to watching these exciting games week on week. The standard of these competitions increases every year, which is a testament to the commitment and diligence of players, coaches, and Higher Education staff across the country.”
Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy, said: "We're looking forward to this year’s Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level Championships and wish all colleges and participants the best of luck. These exciting championships showcase the skill and speed of camogie and are a key part of our games calendar. Thanks to Electric Ireland's continued support, we expect a series of thrilling games in this year's competition."
Alongside the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Leagues and Championships sponsorship and the Electric Ireland Camogie Third Level sponsorship, Electric Ireland is committed to supporting the development of the Gaelic Games across the island through their Minor GAA and Camogie sponsorship ensuring young players are supported and celebrated through these important stages of their career.
Follow the Championships and be a part of the conversation on social media using the hashtag, #FirstClassRivals.
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