The first silverware of the season was decided last weekend when Donegal claimed the Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup title with a 2-12 to 0- 11 points win, in extra time, over Queen’s University. The next phase of the season is the Allianz National League in both hurling and football. The curtain raiser will be Saturday night’s clash of Dublin and All Ireland champions Tyrone under the floodlights at Croke Park.
But let’s ask ourselves about the development of the players who will be gracing the big stages during the season. What may have helped in getting them to this stage in their careers?

One answer, for those who play in Ulster , will have been the Ulster Colleges Council which organises various post primary tournaments.

One of the many volunteers who gives up a lot of his time in the running of these events is the UCC treasurer, Sean McGourty. There are 36 competitions – 16 for hurling, 20 for football. And there are some 1400 games played in a relatively short space of time before the champions of the Mageean, McRory and all the other cups are crowned.

Sean highlights the importance of these competitions in the overall development of young people regardless of whether they go on to win the highest accolades - the Colleges All Star awards.

Have you come through this colleges system in your football career? Do you believe that it helped you both on and off the field? Do you agree with Sean’s views on the subject?

Listen to the podcast interview and leave your comments here at gaelgames.com

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