Greg McEneaney: ‘I opted out of this last year. I didn’t know what I was missing’

The Dublin prospect now fully appreciates the bond Sigerson brings

FRIENDS AGAIN: UCD’s Callum Bolton and Greg McEneaney of DCU Dóchas Éireann after the Sigerson Cup final. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

In 2024, DCU bowed out of the Sigerson Cup at the quarter-final stage. Greg McEneaney was elsewhere, still finding his way in a labyrinth of football.

The Dublin prospect played and scored against Mayo three days after that quarter-final. He didn’t play in the college competition due to the barrage of other commitments. The Skerries man was involved with the seniors, scoring a famous goal to force penalties in the league final against Derry. There was a U20 championship and a club campaign to come.

McEneaney returned to the DCU setup and played in the Ryan Cup league competition, losing out in the decider last December. On Wednesday, he helped Sean Fox’s side to their sixth Sigerson Cup with a four-point triumph over UCD.

It is very sweet,” McEneaney said. “ Local rivals, so it is always nice to get one up on them.

“This competition is brilliant. I opted out last year because I thought it would wear me out, but it is brilliant. You make friends for life. I’ll have this group in my head forever and I’ll always have that Sigerson medal lying in the closet.” 

He is the poster boy for the difficulty that accompanies the current schedule. McEneaney has played every minute for Dessie Farrell’s outfit so far this season. That means swapping between the old rules and the new, being pushed forward and pulled back.

“It is really weird,” he explained. “On the kickout especially. That 40-metre arc really puts you off. You are running away from the arc when you don’t have to. You do get used to it after a few minutes.” 

DCU were underdogs in Bekan but triumphed over some talented individuals thanks to their collective strength.

“We came together after the league. When we lost, it almost brought us closer. We have a class unity. You’d always hang out with the lads in the DCU College Park, there is a great bond.” 

Manager Fox pointed to the same source as an explanation for their success. His team started slowly in the semi-final against the 2024 champions Ulster University but recovered to win in extra-time. They were it with a quick-fire Ryan O’Toole goal and Luke Breathnach point midway through the first half of the decider.

“They always come out and fight like dogs,” said Fox.

“It doesn’t matter if we go a goal down. It doesn’t matter if they score 1-2, 1-3. We just keep at it. Jim Gavin and the Dublin crew used to always talk about, ‘sticking to the process.’ Some people thought it was a cynical comment but think about it. All it means is do what you are doing. Don’t panic.

“We had a bench we felt was very strong, they were ready to go and when they got going, they really got going. It’s like a train - very hard to stop us.” 

That is what McEneaney will cherish most. He had an opportunity to play alongside a diverse group. Players from ten different counties featured for DCU in the final.

“I suppose I opted out last year because I didn’t know what I was missing. Then I played my first game this year, just decided to give it a shot and I really, really enjoyed it. These are lads you wouldn’t bond with otherwise.”