Croke Park to host Sigerson & Fitzgibbon cup finals for the first time in 40 years

The GAA Higher Education Committee has announced the historic return of the Electric Ireland Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup finals to Croke Park.

This year’s finals will be held at GAA HQ for the first time in 40 years. The Sigerson Cup last graced the GAA headquarters in 1985.

While the Fitzgibbon Cup final was last played there in 1986, this is a landmark moment for third-level Gaelic Games.

The Sigerson Cup Final takes place on Wednesday, February 11th, at 7:35pm, with the Fitzgibbon Cup Final following on Friday, February 13th, at 7:35pm. Both finals will be broadcast live on TG4, giving fans across Ireland the chance to witness the pinnacle of higher education Gaelic football and hurling.

GAA Higher Education Committee chairperson proud to bring the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon cups back to Croke Park

Commenting on the announcement, Benny Hurl, Chairperson of the GAA Higher Education Committee, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon finals back to Croke Park. 

“These iconic competitions have a proud history, and bringing them to the spiritual home of Gaelic Games after more than four decades is a proud moment for everyone involved.

“This announcement is about more than a fixture. It is a recognition of the extraordinary commitment, talent, and passion that our student players bring to the field year after year. 

It is a celebration of the role that third-level institutions play in nurturing the future of our games, developing the next generation of Gaelic Games players, officials and administrators.

“On behalf of everyone in third-level Gaelic Games, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the GAA and the Croke Park team for their support in making this dream a reality. 

I want to pay special thanks to Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns, himself a Sigerson cup winner with Saint Mary’s Belfast, who has given unrivalled support to Comhairle Ardoideachais.

Prestigious competitions are rewarded with a fitting venue for finals at last

“This decision sends a powerful message that the efforts of everyone in third level are valued and appreciated. For many years, these prestigious competitions, cornerstones of our student sporting calendar, have showcased the passion, talent, and dedication of our players. 

To see the finals of our blue riband competitions taking centre stage in Croke Park is not only a symbolic homecoming, but a powerful recognition of the vital role third-level Gaelic Games plays in the fabric of the GAA.

“To our sponsors, Electric Ireland, all our colleges, players, coaches, administrators, GPOs, volunteers, and supporters, anyone who has helped in the past to promote our sector, thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. This moment belongs to you. Let us celebrate it with pride, passion, and the spirit of community that defines Gaelic Games at third level.

“We are ready to honour the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire the next generation.”

Experienced sports journalist with expertise in GAA (Gaelic games), football, cricket, rugby and more. I frequently cover GAA for Irish daily national newspapers, the GAA, and Irish state broadcaster RTÉ. I am also on the media teams at London & Dublin GAA. My football experience includes work at professional football clubs such as Queens Park Rangers, Wimbledon and Arsenal. I have also covered major competitions such as the Champions League and Euro 2024. Outside of the sports above, I co-ran the official social media channels of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

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