Ronan McGeehin creates his own piece of history by winning the Sigerson Cup

Ronan McGeehin, the talented goalkeeper hailing from Donegal and St Eunan’s, etched his name in Sigerson Cup history as he guided Ulster University to a resounding 3-12 to 0-15 victory over UCD in Kerry this evening. 

Ulster University's triumph marked their sixth championship title, a monumental achievement, notably their first since 2008, now proudly representing the UU name after the transition from Jordanstown.

Aodh Ruadh's Shane McGrath was also involved in the final as a panel member for the losing side. 

Under the relentless downpour at Austin Stack Park in Tralee, Ulster University asserted their dominance early on, catching the fancied UCD side off guard. The first significant breakthrough came when Darragh Canavan, displaying his prowess, opened the scoring just minutes into the game. 

Despite an initial response from UCD with points courtesy of Roscommon senior Daire Cregg, Ulster University swiftly seized control with a flurry of goals. The pivotal moment arrived when Ruairi Canavan provided the assist for Niall Loughlin's clinical finish, followed by a swift strike from Ciaran Daly, capitalizing on a rebound from UCD's goalkeeper, Killian Roche. 

With a commanding lead established, Ulster University's confidence soared. Another goal, this time orchestrated by Oisin McCann and expertly finished by Ben McCarron, further solidified their dominance before halftime, leaving UCD trailing 3-6 to 0-6. 

As the second half commenced, UCD, determined to stage a comeback, mounted a relentless offensive. Despite valiant efforts from Ulster University, led by the Canavan brothers who extended their team's lead with crucial points, UCD's resilience began to pay off. 

A string of unanswered points, spearheaded by UCD's Rory Brickenden, Sam Callinan, and the prolific Cregg and Garland, saw the Dublin side clawing their way back into contention. However, Ulster University's defense, led by standout performances from John Largo Ellis and others, managed to halt UCD's momentum just enough to maintain their lead. 

In the dying moments of the game, as UCD desperately sought salvation in the form of game-saving goals, it was Darragh Canavan who delivered the final blow, sealing Ulster University's victory with a flourish. 

Ultimately, it was a collective effort from Ulster University, marked by moments of individual brilliance, that secured their place in Sigerson Cup glory once again. 

Scorers – Ulster University: D Canavan 0-5, R Canavan 0-4 (3f), N Loughlin 1-1, O McCann 1-0, B McCarron 1-0, J Largo Ellis 0-1, E Brown 0-1. UCD: D Cregg 0-9 (4f, 1m), D Garland 0-5 (3f), L Costello 0-1 

Ulster University: R McGeehin (Donegal); R Boyle (Monaghan), C Diamond (Derry), S Donaghy (Tyrone); J Largo-Ellis (Fermanagh); R Magill (Down), P Óg McCartan (Tyrone); O McCann (Tyrone), B McCarron (Derry); R McCaffrey (Fermanagh), C Cush (Tyrone); C Daly (Tyrone); D Canavan (Tyrone), N Loughlin (Derry), R Canavan (Tyrone). Subs: E Magee (Armagh) for McCartan (inj, 22), É Brown (Down) for C Daly (44), Dara Curran (Tyrone) for N Loughlin (62), Jack Cunningham (Armagh) for C Cush (62), D Fullerton (Tyrone) for R Canavan (64). 

UCD: K Roche (Laois), L Smith (Dublin), R Brickenden (Mayo), D McElearney (Monaghan); R O’Toole (Monaghan), S Callinan (Mayo), S Coffey (Meath); P Duffy (Dublin), J Lynam (Westmeath); D Gilmore (Derry), D Cregg (Roscommon), D Moriarty (Meath), A Lynch (Meath), C Bolton (Kildare), D Garland (Monaghan). Subs: L Costello (Galway) for L Smith (ht), Cormac Egan (Offaly) for P Duffy (36), S Forker (Dublin) for D Moriarty (36), B McNulty (Leitrim) for A Lynch (44), Theo Clancy (Dublin) for D Gilmore (60). 

Referee: Sean Lonergan (Tipperary)