UCC to host the 2025 Collingwood Cup

University College Cork will host the 2025 Collingwood Cup.

The oldest all-Ireland soccer competition will take place at the university’s sports complex in Curaheen and at its sports grounds in the Mardyke. It last hosted the tournament, which was first held in 1914, nine years ago.

Nine universities will compete across three days, from Monday, February 17 to Wednesday, February 19.

The other teams are defending champions University of Limerick, Dublin City University, Maynooth University, Queens University Belfast, Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, University of Galway, and Ulster University.

This year’s tournament was launched at the UCC Mardyke Arena, where the quarter-final and semi-final draws were also made.

UCC will face Queen’s University Belfast; DCU will go up against University of Galway or Ulster University; UL will open the defence of their title against Trinity College Dublin; and UCD will take on Maynooth University.

The quarter-finals will take place on Monday, February 17, followed by the semi-finals on Tuesday, February 18. The final will be held on Wednesday, February 19 at the Mardyke.

Morgan Buckley, the head of UCC Sport, said: “We are truly honoured to host the Collingwood Cup, one of the most historic and prestigious tournaments in domestic football. We’re excited to welcome the country’s top third-level teams to our grounds for this incredible event.

“A heartfelt thanks to the UCC Sport team, UCC Soccer Club, IUFU, and Greg Yelverton for their dedication and hard work in making this tournament possible.”

Mr Yelverton, UCC soccer-development officer, said the tournament is a platform for young players to showcase their skills: “We are delighted to host this year’s Macron Collingwood Cup. We last hosted it in 2016, so we look forward to welcoming all the teams to Cork again. It should be an entertaining tournament.

“As hosts, we are working hard to ensure it will be an enjoyable experience for the players and coaches visiting Cork.”