Conor Grey of Maynooth University in action against Theo Clancy of UCD. *Photo: Stephen Marken*

Four Royals in action as Maynooth Uni beaten by UCD in Sigerson

Sigerson Cup

Published: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 2:15 PM

Last updated: Wed 14 Jan 2026, 2:16 PM

Maynooth University’s hopes of landing a second Sigerson Cup crown, 50 years on from their only success to date in 1976, suffered a blow last night as they were beaten by UCD in Belfield.

Maynooth, who have the highest representation of Meath players of any side in the competition, fell by 3-16 to 2-14 in a rollercoaster of a match in which the Kildare college led by four and then trailed by five in the first half before taking a two-point lead in with them at the break.

However, UCD finished strongly to inflict a first defeat on Maynooth. The Dunshaughlin trio of Conor Grey, Charlie O’Connor and Conor Duke as well as corner-back Brian O’Halloran from Ballivor all played the 60 minutes for the losers, with Grey and O’Connor particularly influential in the first half.

The Meathmen were impressive at midfield, where they were up against Dublin seniors Theo Clancy and Peter Duffy.

Charlie O'Connor of Maynooth University during the Sigerson Cup second round match between Maynooth University and UCD, at Belfield, Dublin. *Photo: Stephen Marken*

O’Connor kicked Maynooth’s opening point and went on to land a superb two-pointer on 19 minutes from play. Grey fielded well throughout and broke down a high delivery for Eoin Cully’s first-half goal but UCD upped their game in the second half.

St Vincent’s man Michael McIvor came off the bench to kick a massive two-pointer for the south Dublin college which helped them progress to the quarter-finals. Rian McConnell (Castletown) and Jamie Browne (Summerhill) are also part of John Divilly’s squad.

Unavailable for Maynooth due to injury were Royals senior stars Eoghan Frayne and Ruairi Kinsella.