The deli-counter on University Avenue's Spar has never had it so good, with revellers putting all manner of microwave-heated rubbish into their bodies before the game. I'm sure others availed of the marginally-better culinary offerings dished out at Centra in Botanic; while more experienced Sigerson match-goers might even have headed for a fry at Maggie May's. Oul hands. We're all fond of a decent lunch, but on a Sigerson day it's especially important; after all, most will have their eyes and thoughts on the local hostelries post-match. But even more pertinent than that (especially on these bitterly cold afternoons) the stomach needs hot fuel for the long stand up at the Queen's Playing Fields. And when I say 'long' I refer to the hour of football, followed by potential extra-time... followed by even more extra time, not to mention the ever-present danger of a penalty shootout (it has happened before!). Sure beats an afternoon at the library.
There's something of a love affair between Belfast students and the premier inter-varsity competition. This is due in no small part to the rivalry generated between Queen's and Jordanstown. Throw St. Mary's into the mix and there's three teams with very real prospects of laying hands on the silverware. The QUB v UUJ rivalry has been to the fore in recent years. Queen's beat UUJ by a single point in successive semi-finals in 2005 and 2006. A year later in a Sigerson Cup Final at the Dub, Queen's won the title after an extra-time victory over their rivals. They met again at the quarter-final stage last year with the Poly this time coming out on top - in another extra-time battle - en route to collecting the trophy themselves. It has become an annual thing. Add in the fact that matches between these sides divide clubs, houses, families and even the odd relationship, Queen's v Jordanstown has emerged as one of the great rivalries in Gaelic football.
Thankfully this year, Jordanstown managed not to lose the Sigerson trophy they won last season, and so their right to defend it was never in jeopardy (unlike 2002!). And as luck would have it they drew Queen's in the opening round. This meant there would be a decent sprinkling of Derry interest on view. Fresh from reaching the McKenna Cup Final, Queen's could look to Oakleafers Joe O'Kane, James Kielt, Ryan Dillon and Sean Leo McGoldrick (all four of whom started Sunday's NFL tie with Mayo... while the rest of us can barely get off the sofa to join our clubs for a training game!). While Jordanstown were aiming to kick-start successive victorious campaigns under the tutelage of Ballinderry man Adrian McGuckin.
In the end, it was UUJ who emerged victorious this afternoon. The game never reached the heights of recent battles between these sides and, not a particularly friendly affair, the referee Pauric Hughes thought it necessary to show four red cards during the game. Queen's started the day as favourites for the competition, but they struggled for long periods, unable to rekindle their McKenna Cup form. Despite 5 points from Kielt, and a goal from McGoldrick, the Malone Road outfit couldn't get to grip with UUJ's midfield sector. Brockagh clubman Ciaran Donnelly hit Jordanstown's first-half goal from the penalty spot and with Darren Hughes of Monaghan featuring prominently at centre-back and Colm Cavanagh hitting four points from play, the Poly were always in control. They went on to win on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-6 and will look forward now to the remainder of the tournament.
So it looks like one half of Belfast's student population will be happy tonight anyway; and I'm sure the Queen's followers will be gracious enough to stop at the Bot for at least one pint to help them celebrate.
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