Posted 23 February 2011
Shared memories from 'bands of brothers'
UCD publishes commemorative book celebrating 100 Years of the Sigerson Cup
After the GAA Championships themselves, the Sigerson Cup is the oldest national football competition. It holds a place of special significance in UCD – not just because the university has taken part since its inception and clocked up the most wins – but also because George Sigerson was one of the father figures of the university during its early years.
Cian O'Sullivan, UCD, Dublin and Kilmacud Crokes, Craig Dias, UCD, Dublin and Kilmacud Crokes, and Peter Kelly, UCD, Kildare and GAA Allstar
To celebrate the hosting of the centenary of the Sigerson Cup at the UCD grounds at Belfield, the university has launched a commemorative book UCD and the Sigerson, drawing on the memories of great players over the decades. Players including Ogie Moran, Pat O'Neill, Brendán Ó hAnnaidh, Benny Gaughran and Padraig 'the flying doctor' Carney, write of their Sigerson highs and lows, sharing their stories in this well-timed publication.
These personal tales provide a fascinating insight into the importance of university football to these players and the impact their college days had on their careers, lives and enduring friendships.
Irial Glynn with Cian O'Sullivan, UCD, Dublin and Kilmacud Crokes, Craig Dias, UCD, Dublin and Kilmacud Crokes, and Peter Kelly, UCD, Kildare and GAA Allstar
GAA journalist, Eugene McGee, who was involved as mentor with seven winning Sigerson teams, tells of the special place of Sigerson in the lives of players. "From their point of view, possibly the biggest attraction of the Sigerson is that it offers those who are ken rivals at other times, a chance to temporarily suspend their sporting animosities and come together as 'bands of brothers' for the honour and glory of winning the Sigerson."
Written and immaculately researched by UCD historian Irial Glynn and edited by well-known GAA historian Dr Paul Rouse, the book details the history of UCD in the Sigerson Cup since the competition began in 1911.
Ciaran McManus, former UCD and Offaly, with author Irial Glynn and current UCD players, Cian O'Sullivan and Craig Dias
The book profiles the colourful Dr George Sigerson himself. Originally from Tyrone, Sigerson was the son of a mixed marriage. His education took him to France and back to Ireland, where he became enthralled with literature, culture and nationalist politics, while at the same time studying medicine and eventually becoming professor of biology at UCD. By 1911 Dr Sigerson was 70 years of age and his great legacy to the GAA was to personally fund the establishment of a football cup to be played between the three colleges of the then National University of Ireland. Now, 100 years on, the Sigerson Cup remains the most important GAA trophy competed for by all of the third level institutions.
Former UCD, St Vincent's and Dublin player and now UCD director of GAA, David Billings said, "This excellent publication detailing the history of UCD's involvement in the Sigerson Cup is an attempt to peep through the last 100 years and stir the memories of golden days for past generations and warriors. It is also hoped to give an insight to those new to the Sigerson Cup of what the competition means to those people who have been fortunate enough to wear the UCD jersey over the years."
Irial Glynn author, (centre), with contributors to the book, Cathal Young and Eugene McGee
The publication of the book was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Dalkia, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Investec and UCD Athletic Union Council.
Michael Cullen, Investec, Noel Delaney Grant Thornton, Cllr Lettie McCarthy, Cathaoirleach, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Co Co, Irial Glynn, author, Pat Gilroy, Dalkia and Dublin Senior Football Manager, Dr Hugh Brady, President UCD
The book is for sale for €10 and is available for UCD Sport on 01 716 2183 or e-mail sport@ucd.ie. The book will also be available for sale over the Sigerson weekend from Thursday March 3 to Saturday March 5, 2011.
(Produced by UCD University Relations)
