Electric Ireland Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup finals return to Croke Park
2026 Electric Ireland HE GAA Fitzgibbon Cup competitors, from left, Ian McGlynn of National University of Ireland, Galway, Dónal Shirley of DCU Dóchas Éireann, Jack Leahy of University of Limerick, Killian Doyle of University of Limerick and James Duggan of University College Dublin during the launch of the Electric Ireland Higher Education Championships at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.
The GAA Higher Education committee are thrilled to announce that the finals of the Electric Ireland Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups will return to Croke Park for the first time in 40 years this February. This marks the first time since 1985 (Sigerson) and 1986 (Fitzgibbon) that the prestigious Higher Education deciders will be hosted at the headquarters of GAA.
The Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Final is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th, at 7:35pm. This will be followed by the Electric Ireland Fitzgibbon Cup Final on Friday, February 13th, at 7:35pm. Both showpiece events will be broadcast live on TG4, ensuring national coverage for the pinnacle of third-level Gaelic Football and Hurling competition.
Speaking to confirm the announcement this week, the Chairperson of the GAA Higher Education committee Benny Hurl said: “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.
"This announcement is about more than a fixture. It is a recognition of the extraordinary commitment, talent, and passion that our student players bring to the field year after year. It is a celebration of the role that third level institutions play in nurturing the future of our games, developing the next generation of Gaelic Games players, officials and administrators.
"On behalf of the everyone in third level Gaelic Games, I extend our heartfelt thanks to the GAA and the Croke Park team for their support in making this dream a reality. I want to pay special thanks to Uachtarán CLG Jarlath Burns, himself a Sigerson cup winner with Saint Mary’s Belfast, who has given unrivalled support to Comhairle Ardoideachais.
"This decision sends a powerful message, that the efforts of everyone in third level are valued and appreciated. For many years, these prestigious competitions, cornerstones of our student sporting calendar have showcased the passion, talent, and dedication of our players. To see the finals of our blue riband competitions taking centre stage in Croke Park is not only a symbolic homecoming, but a powerful recognition of the vital role third level Gaelic Games plays in the fabric of the GAA.
"To our sponsors Electric Ireland, all our colleges, players, coaches, administrators, GPOs, volunteers, and supporters, anyone who has helped in the past to promote our sector, thank you for your unwavering commitment and support. This moment belongs to you. Let us celebrate it with pride, passion, and the spirit of community that defines Gaelic Games at third level.
"We are ready to honour the legacy of those who came before us and to inspire the next generation.
"We look forward to all our championships and the entire week of Féile Comhairle Ardoideachais, kindly hosted this year by DCU. We wish all our participating teams the very best of luck.”
2026 Electric Ireland HE GAA Sigerson Cup competitors, from left, Ryan McNamara of University of Limerick, Barry McNulty of University College Dublin, Greg McEneaney of DCU Dóchas Éireann, Eoin Colleran of National University of Ireland, Galway, and Paddy O'Driscoll of University of Limerick during the launch of the Electric Ireland Higher Education Championships at Croke Park in Dublin. Photo by Shauna Clinton/Sportsfile.
Speaking on behalf of the competition sponsors, Robert Crabbe, Group Head Sponsorship and Public Relations for Electric Ireland said: “We are thrilled by the decision to bring the Electric Ireland Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup Finals to Croke Park this February. This is a landmark announcement, offering these exceptional student-athletes the ultimate stage to showcase their talent.
"For many of these players, stepping out on to the hallowed turf of Croke Park is a lifelong dream, and to have the pinnacle of the Higher Education Championships contested there is a fitting recognition of their immense dedication. It also perfectly embodies our #FirstClassRivals campaign, celebrating the unique alliances formed between county rivals who unite for their colleges – now these powerful bonds will shine on the biggest stage. Electric Ireland is proud to support the Higher Education Championships, and we look forward to two historic days of action in Croke Park.”
Paul O'Brien, Head of Gaelic Games at Dublin City University, said: "DCU Dóchas Éireann GAA are delighted to host Féile CA facilitating games across all levels. We are particularly pleased with the return of the flagship Fitzgibbon Cup and Sigerson Cup finals to Croke Park.
"We believe this decision is a great backing from the GAA on the importance of our games across third level campuses and its crucial role in player development at stage T4 of the player pathway. It is also an acknowledgement that skills learned on third level campuses are crucial as students go back to take on coaching and administrative roles in their home clubs. We look forward to a great few weeks ahead and welcoming colleges to north Dublin in February."
Tickets for both fixtures will be available through www.GAA.ie/tickets/. To keep up to date with the latest action across the Higher Education GAA scene, you can follow the official GAA Higher Education social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.