The finals of the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup and Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup will return to Croke Park this February, marking the first time in four decades that the showpiece fixtures of third-level Gaelic Games will be played at GAA headquarters.
The announcement, confirmed this morning by the GAA Higher Education Committee, sees the Sigerson Cup Final take place on Wednesday, February 11th, followed by the Fitzgibbon Cup Final on Friday, February 13th. Both games will throw in at 7.35 pm and will be broadcast live on TG4, ensuring nationwide free-to-air coverage.
It will be the first time since 1985 that the Sigerson Cup Final has been staged at Croke Park, while the Fitzgibbon Cup returns for the first time since 1986, bringing the pinnacle of third-level Gaelic football and hurling back to the sport’s most iconic venue.
Chairperson of the GAA Higher Education Committee Benny Hurl said the decision reflects the importance of the third-level game within the wider GAA ecosystem.
“It is with great pride and delight that I welcome the historic return of the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup finals to Croke Park in 2026, over four decades since these iconic competitions last graced the spiritual home of Gaelic Games,” he said.
Hurl added that the move recognises the commitment of student athletes and the role that colleges play in developing players, coaches, officials and administrators for the future of the games.
He also acknowledged the support of GAA President Jarlath Burns, himself a former Sigerson Cup winner, and the Croke Park team in facilitating the return.
The finals form part of a wider programme of Higher Education activity, including Féile Comhairle Ardoideachais, which will be hosted this year by Dublin City University.
With Electric Ireland continuing as title sponsor, and national broadcast exposure secured, the return of these blue-riband competitions to Croke Park places third-level Gaelic Games firmly centre stage within the GAA calendar.
Image Credit: GAA and Sportsfile.com
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