BY MATTHEW WILSON

SIGERSON Cup medals are hard earned but Ronan Gallagher has one in his back pocket as he played a key part in DCU’s triumph back in February.

DCU lifted their sixth ever Sigerson Cup courtesy of a four-point victory over fellow Dublin University UCD at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan.

Ronan Gallagher played a big part in Dublin City University’s success, lining out at centre-half back in all six of the encounters.

Speaking about the triumph, the Downings native stated that it was a special achievement to win at this level and to become one of the first people to earn a Sigerson Medal from his club alongside teammate Johnny McGroddy who came off the bench in the Sigerson showpiece.

“It was surreal,” said Gallagher, who was named as February Sports Personality of the Month, in conjunction wtih Brian McCormick Sports & Leisure.

“I just remember at the time thinking, myself and Johnny (McGroddy) were on the panel and we’re the first two from the club that ever won the Sigerson Cup. Even in Donegal there’s not that many that have got it so it was hard to take in at the time but I’m delighted.”

The two Dublin Universities had faced each other earlier in the competition, a second round meeting which saw UCD edge it by the minimum at Belfield.

It showed great character for Gallagher and his side to bounce back from this defeat to advance through to the showpiece before overcoming the challenge of John Divilly’s side this time round.

“We knew that there were three or four teams that could’ve been pushing for it. That first night in UCD, we were ahead at half-time and they had a strong second half and ended up winning by a point.

“But we knew that if we got them again then we would be able to give them another go and that we’d be well able to beat them and that’s what happened.”

It was certainly a proud occasion for the Downings club, having both Ronan Gallagher and Johnny McGroddy earning glory at third-level, becoming the first club members to do so.

Gallagher mentioned how it was amazing to see the crowd that travelled to Bekan for the final and support the two of them on the day.

“It was very good. There was a lot of support that even came up from Downings to watch us and that was class to see because it was down in Mayo, it was a long spin on a wintery night. They showed great support and they backed us all the way so it was very good.”

The Sigerson Cup is a unique competition. It’s one that allows players to play alongside top talent from all over the country, something you don’t tend to do.

Gallagher stated that the standard on the DCU squad was very high with a large number of county players involved.

“It’s a very high standard, there’s intercounty players throughout the panel. Especially our panel too, there’s a lot of good quality. There’s a few Dublin panelists there and even around Meath there too, Ciaran Caulfield played wing-back for Meath and he was our captain. It just shows you the quality that’s in it.”

Gallagher is now back enjoying his club football with Downings and they’ve a crucial few weeks coming up.

The opening two rounds of the Donegal Senior Championship are on the horizon where Maxi Curran’s men will face Dungloe at home before a trip to Kilcar.

However, before this they face a massive test against Danny O’Donnell’s Naomh Muire in the promotion/relegation play-off this weekend which is the only thing on Ronan’s mind right now.

“We’ve a relegation play-off this Saturday against Naomh Muire so we’ve to put all of our eggs in that basket for now and then we’ll be looking forward to those two tough games, home and away against two good teams.”