Home rule at Queen's

Sigerson Cup 2007 launch:The 2007 Sigerson Cup gets under way this afternoon with three first-round fixtures that include defending champions Dublin City University, although as far as this year's competition goes the team probably pressing hardest to win will be Queen's University, Belfast.

They play host to the finals weekend on March 1st-3rd, and with the guarantee of partisan support they'll want to be there until the final - particularly since they haven't lost a game on their home pitch in four years. But as the Sigerson title grows in status and competitiveness it's difficult to isolate the favourites at this stage.

The formal launch at Queen's yesterday included an announcement of new Sigerson sponsors Ulster Bank, whose new partnership with the GAA Higher Education Council will carry through to the centenary championships in 2011.

It will also be the 14th time Queen's have hosted the competition, which they have won seven times, and which also coincides with the 75th anniversary of the GAA within the university. While they have made it to the last three finals, Queen's are looking for their first title since 2000, when they beat UCD after extra time, under manager and former Down player James McCartan. For now they await of the winners of the UCD-St Mary's second-round tie.

Speaking at yesterday's launch, GAA president Nickey Brennan emphasised the significance of the competition: "The Sigerson weekend has developed into one of the most enjoyable and competitive dates in the GAA's calendar . . ."

John Devaney of the GAA's Higher Education Committee added: "The importance of the Sigerson Cup within the overall GAA calendar has been enhanced over the past few years, and it continues to carry a prestige and significance that ensures its place as vital competition."

Queen's entered Sigerson in 1923, and although they did not enter again until 1933, they have participated in every Sigerson since, winning their first title in 1958 and in 1964, 1971, 1982, 1990, 1993 and 2000.

SIGERSON CUP: First round: Today: UL v DCU, Limerick, 2.30, M McGann (Clare); NUI Maynooth v IT Tallaght, Maynooth, 2.0, S Carroll (Westmeath); IT Sligo v IT Tralee, Pearse Stadium, 2.30, P McGovern (Galway); Tomorrow: Dundalk IT v Galway IT, Dundalk, 2.0, P Hughes (Armagh); Byes for Waterford IT, NUI Galway and St Mary's.