Sigerson Cup back on track

The Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup is back on track after the GAA's Higher Education Council tonight fixed the remaining games in the competition.

In a dramatic twist, Cork IT made an eleventh hour decision not to proceed with their appeal over the eligibility of the Garda College trio of Graham Dillon (Westmeath), Cork's Michael Cussen and Aidan O'Mahony of Kerry.

CIT GAA club informed Comhairle Ardoideachais (CA) just hours before a hastily-convened meeting of the committee, which was due to hear the case tonight at Croke Park, that they would not be travelling.

However CA proceeded with their meeting as planned and decided on the remaining Sigerson Cup fixtures.

The Cork college had been due to appeal under Rule 145 of the official guide which covers the eligibility of players.

CIT's decision not to pursue with their appeal left it open for CA to proceed with fixing the semi-final between Garda College and GMIT and the final involving the winners of that game and UUJ.

It had been originally thought that the semi-final would take place next week, but with the involvement of players from the remaining colleges in National League and Cadbury's Under-21 football championship action, the penultimate round has been moved back a further week.

Garda College will face GMIT on Tuesday, April 8 at Kiltoom, County Roscommon in an evening fixture.

The final will take place a fortnight later under floodlights at IT Carlow, with the game due to be screened live on TG4.

Both Garda College and GMIT have never won the Sigerson Cup with the latter bidding for a first final appearance.

UUJ have held the prestigious silverware on four occasions, and were beaten in last year's decider after extra-time by rivals Queens University Belfast.

Jordanstown have not won the competition since 2001 when Donegal's Jimmy McGuinness captained the side.

PROVISIONAL SIGERSON CUP FIXTURES

TUESDAY, APRIL 8 -

Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup Semi-final

GMIT v Garda College, 6.15pm at Kiltoom

(Extra-time if necessary)

TUESDAY, APRIL 22 -

Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup Final

GMIT/Garda College v UUJ, 7.30pm at IT Carlow

(Extra-time if necessary)