Electric Ireland’s 'First Class Rivals' campaign celebrates unexpected alliances formed by county rivals coming together in pursuit of a common goal to win some of the most coveted titles in GAA in Fitzgibbon, Sigerson and Higher Education Championships.
Although bound to their county through a traditional allegiance, inter-county footballers such as Daniel Guinness (Queen’s University and Down) and Patrick Finnegan (Queen’s University and Antrim) and Seamus Loughran (Ulster University and Down) and Peter Og McCartan (Ulster University and Tyrone) will put their county rivalries aside as they battle it out for the prestigious Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup title in 2020 with their colleges.
“What’s special about the Sigerson Cup is the comradery in the team, despite the fact we’ll all be back to battling it out against each other with our clubs and counties in the weeks after,'' said Queen’s University and Down footballer Daniel Guinness.
“There’s something unique about that and it’s brilliant to be on the pitch with team-mates like Patrick, who is normally a rival.
“We were put out in the second round of last year’s cup so we’re hoping to put the work in this year on the pitch, and hopefully come out with a victory in 2020.”
Ulster University and Down footballer, Seamus Loughran added: “The Electric Ireland Higher Education Championships give us the opportunity to play alongside players who are usually rivals, and learn from them, which is an experience I am really looking forward to.
“While a huge proportion of our year is spent training to beat players from these rival clubs and counties, for the Sigerson Cup we rally and work hard to achieve the same goal.”
Speaking on behalf of Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Uachtaráin Seán Ó hÓráin said, “The GAA is excited to welcome the 2020 season of the Electric Ireland Sigerson, Fitzgibbon and Higher Education Championships.
“These competitions are known for a high standard of play with an extremely strong calibre of talent, with many familiar faces from the inter-county scene joining forces in pursuit of one goal.”
Electric Ireland Group Sponsorship Manager, Edel McCarthy, said, “We are thrilled to be launching year three of our First Class Rivals campaign, with our long-standing commitment to young GAA players and their communities through our sponsorship of both the Higher Education Championships and Minor Football & Hurling Championships.”
The Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup finals are set for January 29 and February 12 respectively.
