Large Mayo contingent set for Sigerson Cup decider in Croke Park

Tomorrow evening (Wednesday), Croke Park is set to host the Sigerson Cup and a large Mayo contingent will take to the pitch. This year marks the first time since 1986 that the higher education finals will take place in GAA HQ.

It’s an all-Munster affair this year as UL are set to go up against UCC. The Limerick-based are going in search of their first ever Sigerson Cup title and they have 12 Mayo representatives in their panel. Sean Morahan (Castlebar Mitchels), Hugh O’Loughlin (Kilmaine), Conal Dawson (Westport), Cathal Keaveney (Parke), Cian McHale (Moy Davitts), Frank Irwin (Ballina Stephenites), Jack Melvin (Davitts), Dylan O’Brien (Davitts), Cathal Corless (Davitts), Diarmuid Coggins (Crossmolina), Eoin McGreal (Garrymore) and Colm McHale (Moy Davitts) are all part of the talented UL side. 

Last Friday, the Limerick based students overcame Queen’s University in an almighty thriller where extra time was needed to separate the sides. The teams were left deadlocked after 60 minutes before UL rescued it late when Conal Dawson landed a two-pointer and Kerry’s Cathal Brosnan scored a superb goal in injury time to send the tie to extra-time.

UL took control in the added periods and they ran out winners, 3-23 to Queen’s 2-21. On the victorious side, there were plenty of strong performances from Mayo players as 1-16 was kicked by Mayo students. Cian McHale who is the top scorer in the competition shone as the talented attacker kicked 1-8, while Frank Irwin knocked over points, Conal Dawson kicked three, and Sean Morahan accounted for one white flag. 

Their opponents for the final are UCC and the Cork based students are made up of a large Cork and Kerry contingent. In attack Ruairi Murphy is one of their most important players while the 24-time Sigerson Cup champions have an experienced management team with Cork veteran Billy Morgan who is 81 years of age amongst the coaching team.

Last Thursday, the Cork students overcame a University of Galway team who ultimately failed to fire on the night. Aghamore’s Tom O’Flaherty started while Castlebar’s John MacMonagle featured as a substitute. Westport’s Conor Meaney and Claremorris’ Dara Hurley were also part of the panel while former Mayo player and U-20 manager Maurice Sheridan was in charge of the Galway students. In the end, UCC ran out 1-11 to 1-8 winners and now an interesting final awaits tomorrow evening where two talented teams will go in search of glory in Dublin. Throw in is set for 7.35pm and the game will be televised live on TG4.