The Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup officially starts tonight, and it is the first real bit of competitive action that we will see in the 2025 season.
Obviously the 2024 club season is still ongoing as teams are playing the All-Ireland semi and finals in the next few weeks, but the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup is officially the first campaign in 2025.
The absence of pre-season tournaments means that University football has a chance to really shine under the spotlight, although they will not be using the new rules.
While inter-county teams are playing friendly matches under the new enhancements introduced by the FRC, the Sigerson Cup will be played with the old rules.
Regardless of the regulations, there are some very big names that are ready to shine this season.
Odhran Murdock - UU
The Down midfielder is one of the first names on Conor Laverty's team sheet and for good reason, as the Burren man plays a vital role in midfield.
The last time we got to see him in action was in the inter-provincial competition that was used to trial the new rules, and Murdock scored a goal right at the death to send Ulster into penalties.
A part of the University of Ulster team, the Down native will be hoping to help his side retain their Sigerson title.
Lorcan O'Dell - DCU
Any player who breaks onto Dessie Farrell's Dublin is a top inter-county star, and Lorcan O'Dell has a very big season ahead of him in 2025.
One of the problems being involved in the Dublin set-up is that it is so hard to get game time with a squad stacked with superstars, but with so many retirements in the panel taking place, O'Dell has a big opportunity to shine this season.
His first opportunity to stand out will be in the Sigerson Cup as he will line out for UCD, in a star studded team.
Oisin Conaty - St Mary's Belfast
2024 couldn't have went much better for Oisin Conaty as he played a starring role in Armagh's All-Ireland win, and his performances saw him win an All-Star and the Young Player of the Year award.
2025 could get off to a great start though if he and his St Mary's teammates make a splash in the Sigerson Cup, and with the Orchard forward in the form of his life, they have just as good a chance as anyone.
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Cormac Dillon - UCC
The young Kerry forward was the shining light of Tomas O'Se's U20 team that won Munster and reached the All-Ireland final.
Despite losing that final to Tyrone, Cormac Dillon was still at his prolific best, and finished the season as the top scorer, and as Munster's U20 Player of the Year.
UCC will be hoping that Dillon continues his fine form in front of goal as they prepare for the Sigerson Cup.
Cian McBride - TU Dublin
TU Dublin aren't as well known as UCD, but they made a real splash in the Sigerson Cup last season when they beat University of Galway, and are hoping to do the same again this year.
Cian McBride is not only a top midfielder for his county Meath, but had spent four years in playing in the professional ranks of the AFL.
Now home and continuing his studies, TU Dublin are delighted to have McBride as their leading star in what they hope will be a successful campaign.
Daire Cregg - UCD
UCD are undoubtedly the most stacked when it comes to household names, and it doesn't get much bigger than Roscommon's Daire Cregg.
The shay shooter had a great year for the Rossies, and was instrumental when they recorded a famous victory over Tyrone, eliminating the 2021 All-Ireland champions in the preliminary quarter-finals.
Regarded as one of the most lethal forwards in the country, Cregg will certainly add some magic dust until an already star studded team.
Eoin McEvoy - UU
It's hard to believe that Derry star Eoin McEvoy is still only a youngster, as he broke onto the Oakleaf team senior team more than two years ago as a starting full-back, and has never looked out of place.
In fact, he often stands above his more seasoned teammates, as the Magherafelt man can do just about anything that is asked from him, even score important goals, as we saw when he twice found the net in the Division One league final against Dublin last March.
There were rumours that the dynamic defender would be off to the AFL, but it looks like he staying put, much to the relief of UU, Derry, and his club Magherafelt.
Ben O'Carroll - UCD
Roscommon have somehow created a production line of top quality forwards in recent years, and it looks like UCD are going to benefit from two of them, as they have both Cregg and Ben O'Carroll in their squad.
The St Brigid's man was the star when his club went all the way to All-Ireland senior club final last season, narrowly losing out to Watty Graham's Glen, and is equally as vital to the Rossies.
In January though, it is UCD who will benefit from his talents, and with an attack force already brimming with talent, he only strengthens that further.
