DCU will host Queen’s in the opening round of the LGFA’s Higher Education tournament as they seek to complete a three-in-a-row, with the AIG O’Connor Cup officially launched today.
The Dublin outfit defeated UCC in last year’s final in Cork, coming out on top by 2-16 to 2-14. Offaly’s Kate Kenny was the star, as she came up with 1-3 in a game that went to extra-time, with DCU beginning their defence on home soil.
Fixtures will commence next Thursday, February 6, with the final of the tournament fixed for Saturday March 15, a fortnight before the semi-finals of the intercounty Lidl Ladies’ National Leagues.
In Round One’s other fixtures, Ulster University face the University of Galway, with beaten finalists UCC hosting Munster rivals MTU Kerry and TU Dublin travelling to Limerick to face UL.
Ulster University last won the competition back in 2008 in what was their only success in the O’Connor Cup, while UCC are three-time winners but haven’t lifted the trophy in 13 years.
UCD were the last team other than UL or DCU to win this competition back in 2016, albeit two finals were cancelled as a result of the outbreak of Covid-19.
With the 2025 format, every side is guaranteed at least three matches, with two wins securing a semi-final place for two sides.
The others will play off in quarter finals, with the exception of the two sides beaten twice, who will contest a relegation play-off.
Every match must find a winner on the night, with two 10 minute periods of extra-time in the result there is a draw. If level after extra-time, then the matches will be decided by the LGFA’s standard free-kick shootout system.
AIG are sponsoring the tournament for an eighth season, covering seven higher level competitions in all, including the Donaghy Cup and HEC Cup.
In a press release, the LGFA stated:
“As well as its commitment with the LGFA to include HEC third-level competitions, the leading global insurance organisation will also continue to support players and members as the official insurance partner of the LGFA for the 2025 season.
Within the partnership, LGFA players and their families across the 32 counties can avail of exclusive insurance offers and benefits.”
Clare Walsh (UL / Waterford), Abigail Ring (UCC / Cork), Aisling Madden (UCD / Galway) and Mia Doherty (QUB / Kildare) star in AIG’s ‘It happens here’ promotional video of the competition, available now on YouTube.