Daire Cregg, UCD, Ryan Magill, Ulster University, and Colin Murray, University of Galway, pictured with the Sigerson Cup before the draw for the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championships at Croke Park last month. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Round One
By Cian O'Connell
A revealing opening round beckons in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup.
The adverse weather conditions may impact the programme with eight matches scheduled to take place throughout the country.
Interesting encounters, with plenty of sub-plots, ensures the action will be monitored by those with a passion for third level fare.
A large crowd will gather at Davitts GAC in Belfast on Wednesday afternoon for an eagerly anticipated derby between St Mary's and Queens University.
That has captured the imagination with The Ranch intent on delivering a typically defiant display against Conor Deegan's talented outfit.
Anton Tohill, Luke Donnelly, Peter McGrane, and Conor Love are included in the Queens panel. St Mary's will be looking to the gifted Oisín Conaty, Niall Burns, and MacDarragh Hynes for inspiration.
The two most prolific winners of the competition, UCC and UCD, clash at the Mardyke.
An impressive Higher Education Division One League campaign illustrated UCC's potential with captain Killian Falvey leading by example in that decider against DCU Dóchas Eireann.
Cathal Ó Beaglaíoch and Cormac Dillon were others to make a real scoring impression in that game.
UCD are always serious contenders featuring plenty of classy performers in the panel such as Killian Roche, Sam Callinan, Ryan O'Toole, Cormac Egan, Barry McNulty, Ben O'Carroll, and Daire Cregg.
Ulster University players celebrating following the 2024 Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Final. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile
In Athlone, TUS Midlands host Maynooth University. The home panel includes Brian Cooney, David Dempsey, Matthew Whittaker, and Shane Farrell.
Maynooth want to embark on a lengthy 2025 adventure in the competition. Harry Plunkett, Conor Gray, Eoghan Frayne, and the exciting Luke Crowley, from a famous footballing family in Glenfesk, are accomplished players, while Gerodi O'Meara was prominent in Ballinagar's run to the AIB All-Ireland Club JFC Semi-Finals.
On Tuesday, in the north west ATU Sligo will be hoping to cause an upset against holders Ulster University. Jim Kelly, Daire O'Boyle, Joseph Keaney, and Leitrim's Jack Casey are involved in the ATU squad.
Ulster University's panel is liberally stocked with inter-county footballers like Eoin McEvoy, Gary Mohan, Danny Magill, Josh Largo Ellis, Ryan Magill, Odhran Murdock, and Ruairi Canavan.
TUD's tussle with University of Galway is now re-scheduled for Friday in the capital. Conor Fee, Matthew Ging, Darragh Lovett, Jordan Morris, and Shane Cunnane are capable players for TUD.
University of Galway have been highly competitive in the Sigerson under Maurice Sheridan's guidance with Mark McInerney, Canice Mulligan, Cian Hernon, Cillian Ó Curraoin, Dylan Geaney, and Ryan O'Donoghue available.
On Friday, DCU Dóchas Eireann, who face MTU Kerry in the capital, have emerging players such as Bryan Masterson, Tom Prior, Lorcan O'Dell, Greg McEneaney, and the free scoring Johnny McGroddy.
For MTU Kerry, Keih Evans featured in the Allianz Football League last year, while Austin Stacks' Armin Heinrich and Kerins O'Rahillys Darragh O'Connor are promising players in the county.
ATU Donegal and MTU Cork'S re-fixture will take place on Friday in Abbotstown. Tommy Walsh, Jack Cahalane, and Paddy Creedon will spearhead MTU Cork's challenge, while ATU Donegal's panel features Odhran Doherty, Kevin McGettigan, and Noah Barrett.
On the shores of Galway Bay at Liam Mellows' splendid facility, ATU Galway meet UL. Recently, UL have enjoyed good campaigns in the Sigerson, with Darragh Cashman, Caelim Keogh, Frank Irwin, Daniel Walsh, and Jack McCabe able to flourish on this stage.
Donegal's Connor Roarty, Nathan Grainger, and Paul Kelly are important players in the ATU Galway set-up.
Fixture details may alter due to the inclement weather.
Tuesday January 7
ATU Sligo v Ulster University, ATU Sligo 7pm, Live on Higher Education GAA YouTube
Wednesday January 8
St Mary's v Queens University, Davitts GAC, 2pm
Friday January 10
DCU Dóchas Eireann v MTU Kerry, DCU Sportsgrounds, 5pm
ATU Galway v UL, Liam Mellows GAA, 5.30pm
TUD v University of Galway, Grangegorman, 6.15pm
ATU Donegal v MTU Cork, TBC
Awaiting Confirmation
UCC v UCD
TUS Midlands v Maynooth University
