UCC and UCD all out to end Sigerson famine

BOTH UCD and UCC have storied histories in the Sigerson Cup. Yet both have endured title droughts in recent times.

Thirty-two time champions UCD are without a title since 1996, while UCC, who have 19 crowns, enjoyed their last success in 1995.

In the other semi-final, UUJ, the 2008 victors, are chasing their sixth Sigerson Cup win, while NUI Maynooth’s sole triumph occurred in 1976.

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TRENCH CUP champions IT Tralee put their title on the line against Waterford IT today with Kerry seniors Gary O’Driscoll and Barry John Keane to the fore for the Wayne Quillinan-managed team.

Waterford IT will look to Meath senior Chris O’Connor, Waterford’s Cillian O’Keeffe and Laois player Colm Coss to spearhead their sides challenge.

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IN THE other Trench Cup semi-final St Pat’s (Drumcondra) will be backboned by Mayo forward Cillian O’Connor and Cavan’s Declan McKiernan while Liverpool outfit John Moore’s can call upon Paudie McCreesh (Armagh), John Caldwell (Down) and Jarlath McCarthy (Down) to inspire them.

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FOUR players on show today are chasing their second Sigerson Cup medal this weekend. UUJ duo Donal Morgan and Colm Murney both winning medals with the college in 2008, UCD attacker Kevin McGourty triumphing with Queen’s University in 2007 while UCC midfielder James Fitzpatrick won with Cork IT in 2009.

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THERE were plenty famous faces donning the bainisteoir bibs yesterday with Adrian McGuckin (UUJ), Mark Carpenter (Carlow IT), Declan O’Keeffe (UL), John Divilly (NUI Maynooth), Niall Moyna (DCU), Billy Morgan (UCC), Malachy O’Rourke (UCD) and John Maughan (NUIG) all presiding over teams.