No third level GAA championships this academic year
The Higher Education committee of the GAA have today confirmed that there will be no third level championships taking place in the remainder of this academic year.
The committee had hoped to stage a 'comprehensive programme' of games, including the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups in football and hurling respectively, but given the current landscape in the country and the public health difficulties, this will not be possible.
The decision has been made so as to protect public health and all of members. It means there will be no matches played in the remainder of the academic year, but the body have committed to a consultation process with key stakeholders in the hope that some of the disappointing outcomes of 2020/2021 can be offset going forward.
Higher Education GAA wish to thank sponsors Electric Ireland, all the colleges, the clubs, students, students unions and the hard working development officers for their understanding and their ongoing commitment to the sector.
Chairman of the body, Michael Hyland, stated: “We’re very disappointed that our championships will not take place. Comhairle Ardoideachais had planned for and were hopeful of all of our championships, including the Fitzgibbon and Sigerson Cups, going ahead but it’s apparent that it won't be possible for this year.
“There is a lot of uncertainty about when games will recommence at club and county level and what the calendar will look like in 2021 but as the situation becomes clearer, we will work with the clubs, colleges, development officers and all stakeholders to try and find ways to mitigate against the effects of our students not having had any games this academic year and we are really looking forward to a return to play in October.
“We will work with everyone, including our sponsors Electric Ireland, in the coming months and ensure a comprehensive fixtures calendar. We are particularly mindful of the current first year students who have missed out on fresher competitions and the vital role that it plays in getting players involved in third level GAA. We are looking forward staging second year competitions for this year’s freshers which we hope will take place in the first semester of the 2021/2022 academic year.
“We are looking forward to securing the space in the GAA calendar for third level – weeks seven and eight – for Sigerson and Fitzgibbon, and thank everyone for their support in securing these dates, which can only help all our students, clubs and our sector generally.
“Finally I would like to wish all our players well for the studies in the year and would like to wish all those involved in our sector the very best and good health as we get through Covid-19.”