By Cian O’Connell

With high stakes Electric Ireland Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup matches arriving thick and fast, this is a particularly busy time for UL GAA.

Recently installed as UL’s GAA development officer, Jason Coffey is embracing the busy schedule. Wednesday’s Sigerson decider against UCC in Waterford is the next challenge for an accomplished UL outfit.

Beaten in the final by University of Galway last year, UL have responded impressively under the stewardship of Declan Brouder.

“It has been a busy two weeks, but that is the best time to learn in the middle of a season,” Coffey says about UL’s recent Sigerson and Fitzgibbon exploits.

“It is absolutely brilliant, there is a great buzz around the place. You can see people walking around the GAA office, they are buzzing and happy out. Hopefully we can finish the job now, they went close last year. So hopefully they can go one step further this year.”

The fact that there is a liberal sprinkling of different counties represented on the UL panel is a source of considerable pride.

“I think we have 12 counties represented in total, we have more than 20 inter-county players,” Coffey states.

“So it is brilliant and it is something I would like to keep on promoting - the amount of different counties that we have involved. It just goes to show the reach of the college too.”

Sport has always occupied a central role in UL. “I think UL is well renowned for the sports courses and the standard of courses that they run in the sports sector here,” Coffey continues.

“Similar to a lot of other colleges, students will come for the sport and teaching courses, the two of them marry together very well.”

Coffey is embracing the new job with enthusiasm during an exciting time for third level GAA students. “There is a sense of purpose, that is for sure,” Coffey responds. “If you don't answer the phone or an email something isn't going to go ahead at the moment, so you have to be on the money.

“For me, that is enjoyable too, I'm well used to that from previous roles working in the GAA. It was a busy time to come in, but it was probably the best time on reflection because I really got a grasp on what was needed.”

The Ardfinnan native has operated with teams at every level in the GAA. “I was in Laois for the past four and a half years, At the beginning it was as a GDA, then I moved into the performance GDA role, I specialised in all athletic development and S&C, overseeing everything from minors right down to academy squads,” he explains.

“That was enjoyable, I have a masters and a bachelors in that area of sports science too. Before that I worked in Kildare as GDO and I worked remotely with the Tipperary County Board as a coach, and I was also assistant manager of a gym.

“It has been a fun road, this is a new challenge for me now moving into the third level. It is something I hadn't experienced too much before even though I had worked from inter-county right down to club nursery level in the GAA. So this is something that appealed to me.”

In this chaotic stint with knockout games imminent, UL are making an impact. Keeping UL relevant is the mission Coffey wants to accomplish.