Breffni legends make Sigerson shortlist

Three of Cavan's finest ever footballers were included in a shortlist of 60 players for the ‘Sigerson Team of the Century' earlier this week. At a specially convened launch in Croke Park on Tuesday November 16, it was revealed that inspirational midfielder PJ Duke, Jim McDonnell and James Brady were among the star-studded list due to their achievements with UCD in the 40's and 50's. Laragh man PJ Duke excelled for UCD in his time at the college winning three Sigerson medals between the years 1945-1950. Duke, more commonly known for his part in Cavan's historic victory over Kerry in the Polo Grounds in New York back in 1947, has also made the list of the 125 greatest hurlers and Gaelic footballers of all-time. McDonnell, who picked up three Sigerson Cup medals during the 50's, was an ever present for UCD during that era, was included on the shortlist as a midfielder. In the blue jersey of Cavan he was also man-of-the-match in the 1955 All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Kerry and would be considered as one of the Breffni County's finest players of the 1950s. Arva attacker James Brady completes Cavan's trio on the prestigious list after also annexing an impressive haul of four medals for UCD between 1955 and 1960. The shortlist was announced as part of the planned celebrations for the Sigerson Cup in its centenary year. The star-studded list, which is made up of four goalkeepers, 24 defenders, eight midfielders and 24 forwards will be cut down to a final team of 15 which will be decided by a selection committee under the chairmanship of Dr Mick Loftus in December. Comhairle Ardoideachais will also be running a competition inviting the public to submit their own final panels. The person who is closest to the team the selection committee picks will win two All-Ireland Football Final tickets and two tickets to Ulster Bank Sigerson Cup weekend which will include accommodation. More information will be available on www.he.gaa.ie. Since its inception the Sigerson Cup has been the premier competition for colleges Gaelic Football and one of the most prestigious titles in higher education sport. The trophy itself is named after the former UCD University Professor, Dr George Sigerson who donated the salary from his post at UCD so that a trophy could be purchased for the competition. The cup was first presented in 1911 to eventual winners UCD. Interestingly, it is the inaugural winners UCD who have the greatest representation on the shortlist with 22 nominees, while UCC and UCG are next in line with 13 apiece. QUB can proudly boast seven nominees which includes Armagh's 2002 All-Ireland winning captain Kieran McGeeney, while UUJ have two and DCU, ITT, NUI Maynooth, Sligo IT and St Mary's complete the list with one each.