Football

Ulster University's Sigerson Cup hopes hit by Tyrone absentees ahead of quarter-final clash with UL

Tyrone defender and UU captain Ronan McNamee ('flu) is very doubtful ahead of today's Sigerson clash with UL
Tyrone defender and UU captain Ronan McNamee ('flu) is very doubtful ahead of today's Sigerson clash with UL Tyrone defender and UU captain Ronan McNamee ('flu) is very doubtful ahead of today's Sigerson clash with UL

Electric Ireland HE GAA Sigerson Cup quarter-final: Ulster University v University of Limerick (today, Jordanstown, 2pm)

ULSTER University could be without Tyrone trio Ronan McNamee, Mark Bradley and Frank Burns ahead of this afternoon’s Sigerson Cup quarter-final clash with University of Limerick at Jordanstown (2pm).

Bradley’s grandfather passed away on Sunday and although the Killyclogher man has not been ruled out of today’s last eight game, it would be a surprise if he plays.

Bradley, who came on as a late substitute in Tyrone’s defeat to Dublin on Saturday night, has been outstanding for UU this year alongside county team-mate Lee Brennan.

Captain Ronan McNamee is suffering from 'flu for the last three days and played no part in Tyrone’s Allianz NFL game against the Dubs.

Pomeroy’s Frank Burns is definitely out after suffering an ankle ligament injury.

“We are likely to be missing our captain [Ronan McNamee] and one of our top forwards [Mark Bradley] while Frank is definitely ruled out,” confirmed team spokesman Tommy Joe Farrell.

“Ronan McNamee has been in bed over the last three days with 'flu and unfortunately ‘Sparky’ [Mark] Bradley’s grandfather passed away yesterday. Apparently Mark was very close to him.

“So it’s very doubtful if Mark plays. It’s really up to him whether he plays or not and we’ll accept whatever decision he comes to.”

UU manager Paul Rouse has a bit of depth to his squad this season with Derry’s Terence O’Brien jockeying for a starting place against visitors UL.

Tyrone’s Cillian McCann could also be pushing for a starting berth as will St Gall’s defender Conor Burke who is expected to hook up with Antrim after UU’s Sigerson campaign ends.

Rouse’s men showed plenty of spirit and scoring ability in their testing victory over rivals St Mary’s last week at Woodlands Park.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of positive vibes coming out of the UL camp after their 2-13 to 2-11 win over Cork IT last week.

Limerick dual player Gearoid Hegarty is likely to be at centrefield this afternoon, while Tipperary’s Luke Boland, Clare’s Cian O’Dea and Limerick’s Eoghan O’Connor add plenty of quality to their ranks.

Freetaker Niall McDermott of Cavan is also in their ranks and bagged five points in their narrow win over Cork IT.

Elsewhere, Tralee IT host Dublin IT at Austin Stacks Park tonight (6.30pm) in the other last eight Sigerson Cup encounter.