By Michael McMullan

THERE was a Donegal link to DCU’s win over NUI Galway the final of the Ryan Cup, the Higher Education League Final.

Ross Ó Mearlaigh played at corner back in their 0-16 to 1-7 win on Tuesday afternoon.

The win sets the Dublin side up ahead of the forthcoming Sigerson Cup opener against Maynooth.

The Glenfin man – who manages the college junior team – was one of eight Ulster players on a squad managed by former Dublin defender Paddy Christie.

He was joined on the panel by Cavan’s Caoimhin O’Reilly, with Oisin Gallen, Brendan Diver, Jamie Grant,  Shane O’Donnell, Seamus Byrne, and Mark Curran (all Donegal) on board.

Ulster University, Letterkenny IT  and St Mary’s University College will all be in Sigerson Cup action next week.

Queen’s await the winners of Ulster University’ clash with Galway in the next round.

Sigerson Cup Round 1 (All games 7.00)

Tuesday, January 11
TU Dublin v St Mary’s University College
NUI Maynooth v DCU
IT Carlow v Letterkenny IT
University of Limerick v IT Sligo

Wednesday, January 12
NUI Galway v Ulster University
MTU Cork v UCC
MTU Kerry v UCD