The prestigious Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups will see both of their showpieces return to Croke Park for the first time in 40 years next month.
It's a significant move for the premier third-level competition finals to be played at HQ; the first time since the 1986 Fitzgibbon Cup decider which saw UCC beat Queens University Belfast.
The 1985 Sigerson decider had also been hosted at Croke Park with UCD beating Queens by 0-10 to 0-05.
In subsequent years finals have been played at college and regional venues, centres of excellence and county championship grounds all over the country.
The competitions have attracted much debate over their scheduling, format, and demands placed on players who are mostly also attached to county squads.
But with the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup Final scheduled for HQ on Wednesday, February 11th, and the Fitzgibbon Cup final there two days later, it sends a signal of intent, the GAA have moved centrally to highlight the importance of the competitions, players, colleges and mentors.
It is hoped internally that the finals will continue to be played at Croke Park.
At the start of his presidency, Jarlath Burns, himself a Sigerson winner with St. Mary's College, Belfast, in 1989, outlined his aim of giving "a proper place" to the third-level competitions to allow those players – many of whom have scholarships from colleges or Provincial Councils – to play and enjoy the experience.
Confirming the relocation of both deciders, Chairperson of the GAA Higher Education committee Benny Hurl said: "This announcement is about more than a fixture. It is a recognition of the extraordinary commitment, talent, and passion that our student players bring to the field year after year.
"It is a celebration of the role that third level institutions play in nurturing the future of our games, developing the next generation of Gaelic Games players, officials and administrators.
"To see the finals of our blue riband competitions taking centre stage in Croke Park is not only a symbolic homecoming, but a powerful recognition of the vital role third level Gaelic Games plays in the fabric of the GAA."
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