The GAA has announced that there will be no third level championships for the remainder of the academic year, affecting the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups.
The coronavirus pandemic has resulted in college learning going online and the overall restrictions have had an impact on Gaelic Games at the Higher Education level.
DCU won last year's Sigerson Cup, with UCC the current holders of the Fitzgibbon Cup.
Club activity in the second half of the year is likely to supersede any third level games, so it's set to be 2022 before the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups can be run off again.
Chairman of the Higher Education body, Michael Hyland, has told the GAA that the public health environment necessitated the move.
"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. We wish to thank all the colleges, the clubs, club committees, students, students unions and the hard working development officers for their understanding and their ongoing commitment to our sector.
"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 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 - week 7 and 8 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."
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