To celebrate hosting the 100th Sigerson Cup in Belfield, the most successful College in universities Gaelic football today launched a beautiful commemorative book entitled UCD and the Sigerson.

Written and immaculately researched by UCD historian Irial Glynn and edited by well known GAA historian Dr Paul Rouse, the book details the history of UCD in the Sigerson Cup since the competition began in 1911.

The book profiles the colourful  Dr George Sigerson himself, whose father was a Catholic from Derry and mother a Protestant from Tyrone and who did so much for the GAA and for whom the competition is named after. Dr Sigerson attended Queen’s before becoming a professor of biology in UCD.

Apart from a look at UCD’s involvement over the decades and chronicling the various ups and downs of the College, the book gives first person accounts from famous UCD GAA names from the past such as Dr Pat O’Neill, Benny Gaughran, Denis “Ogie” Moran and modern day stars such as Breandán Ó hAnnaidh, Ciarán McManus and John O’Loughlin.

These first person tales provide a fascinating insight into the importance of universities football to these players and the impact their College days had on their careers, lives and enduring friendships.

Former UCD, St Vincent’s and Dublin player and now UCD director of GAA, David Billings said, “This excellent publication detailing the history of UCD’s involvement in the Sigerson Cup is an attempt to peep through the last 100 years and stir the memories of golden days for past generations and warriors. It is also hoped to give an insight to those new to the Sigerson Cup of what the competition means to those people who have been fortunate enough to wear the UCD jersey over the years.”

The book is for sale for €10 and is available for UCD Sport on 01 716 2183 or e-mail sport@ucd.ie. The book will also be available for sale over the Sigerson weekend from Thursday March 3 to Saturday March 5, 2011.