As the 2023 Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup gets underway this week, there are some big names hoping to manage their side to success.
The start of the Sigerson Cup is the first glimpse of some of the biggest up and coming stars across the country. Some colleges will have proven inter-county stars in their ranks, while some players will be aiming to make an impression ahead of the new season.
However, those on the sideline will also grab the headlines, with some very experienced managers involved. Included are former All-Ireland winners as players, previous Sigerson Cup winners, and newly appointed inter county managers.
Here is some of the most high profile managers involved in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup.
Paddy Christie-DCU
Having been part of the Tipperary set up over the last few years, DCU manager Paddy Christie will hope success with DCU will be the start of a big year.
14 December 2022; In attendance at the draw of the Electric Ireland GAA Higher Education Championship at Croke Park today is DCU DÉ manager, Paddy Christie. The Dublin college reached the Semi-Finals of the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup in 2022 and in 2023 will be hoping to win the competition for the first time since 2020. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
The former Dublin player was appointed Longford manager ahead of the 2023 season, and is set for a hectic January. DCU will fancy their chances of success, with 11 inter county players in their Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup squad.
Donegal's Shane O'Donnell and Oisin Gallen, Meath's Shane Walsh and Galway's Robert Finnerty are just some of the players set to be involved.
With an abundance of talent at their disposal, a first title since 2020 could be on the cards.
John Divilly-UCD
Having tasted success in the Sigerson Cup before, John Divilly is no stranger to this competition.
30 November 2022; UCD manager John Divilly before the Electric Ireland Higher Education Senior Football Division 1 League Final match between UCD and Maynooth University at the Dublin City University Sports Campus in Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile
The former Galway footballer, who is part of their coaching setup since 2019, was also part of their 1998 All-Ireland winning side as a player.
Divilly managed UCD to success in 2016, and will be aiming for success once again with a very talented squad.
He hasn't been afraid to speak out on the controversial fixture congestion that has made the headlines in the past, so expect Divilly not to be shy in his post match comments across the tournament.
Maurice Sheridan-University Of Galway
Maurice Sheridan will be hoping to guide his exciting young side to victory once again. The former Mayo footballer, who also manages their U20 side, has plenty of Sigerson Cup experience.
20 April 2022; Mayo manager Maurice Sheridan before the EirGrid Connacht GAA Football Under 20 Championship Final match between Mayo and Sligo at Markievicz Park in Sligo. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
Last year's reigning champions defeated University of Limerick in the final, and will be confident of regaining their title, with several Galway players from the side that reached the All-Ireland final included.
The Kelly brothers, including Galway captain Sean will be crucial to Sheridan, while he will also be boosted by the return of Mayo's Tommy Conroy, who suffered a horrific injury in last year's competition.
They face Maynooth on Wednesday in their opening game.
Maxi Curran-ATU Donegal
After bringing the Donegal ladies side to another level this season, Maxi Curran will be hoping to do the same with his ATU Donegal side in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup.
11 June 2022; Donegal manager Maxi Curran during the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Football Senior Championship Group D - Round 1 match between Donegal and Waterford at St Brendan's Park in Birr, Offaly. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile
His Donegal side suffered a heartbreaking defeat to eventual All-ireland Champions Meath in the semi-finals. While there was speculation if that would be the end of the road, for him, he has confirmed he will take charge of the ladies side in 2023.
Curran has huge management experience across various roles in Donegal, including the U21s and as an assistant to the senior side.
Davy Burke-Maynooth
12 June 2021; Wicklow manager Davy Burke before the Allianz Football League Division 3 Relegation play-off match between Cavan and Wicklow at Páirc Tailteann in Navan, Meath. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile
At such a young age, Davy Burke brings huge experience into the Sigerson Cup.
In 2018, he managed Kildare to the U20 All-Ireland Football Championship, leading him to the Wicklow senior manager role in 2019.
After seeing the side progress under his two year spell, he left in August 2021. His latest inter county role saw him appointed as Roscommon manager, where he will manage their return to division one football.
Before that gets underway, he will be managing a Maynooth side that includes three Roscommon players that will be hoping to make an immediate impression.
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