Ulster University stalwart Tommy Joe savours glory of Sigerson Cup

After graduating from Ulster University in 1981, Dr John Farrell could easily have closed the door on his GAA service to the colleges. Instead, he continued to serve at all levels.

Serving on club, county, Ulster and national Croke Park committees, he has also been president of the Ulster University Gaelic Academy for over 30 years.

Known as 'Tommy Joe' to most, he received an honorary doctorate from Ulster University for services to business, local government and sport in recent years.

Last November, Dr Farrell was the first recipient of the Ulster University GAA Hall of Fame Award.

On Wednesday night Ulster University earned their first Sigerson Cup win in 16 years and their eighth in total. That it landed on their 50-year anniversary was especially pleasing for Tommy Joe.

"I live by the five Fs," he told RTÉ Sport. "Family, football, friends, faith and my farm.

"And to be sweating on a result like last night’s you’d nearly need all five to help you, or help let off steam."

A native of Kilbroney in Rostrevor, Tommy Joe was educated in St Mary’s Primary School, Rostrevor, and St Colman’s College, Newry, before attending Ulster University where he was part of a successful Sigerson outfit himself, beating UCC at the Mardyke.

"Nearly half a decade on I am still friends with many of those UCC lads - never mind our own team," he added.

"This is the glory of the Sigerson Cup. It’s friends for life. That’s our motto at the college."

Dr Farrell is fearful of the competition being squeezed.

"It’s put under pressure, no doubt about it," he stated. "County senior, under 20 and club managers all have their own programmes and competitions, and we only have a very small window to operate in.

"Long gone are the days of running in fields and