By Cian O’Connell

Theo Clancy is now well versed in preparing for important matches for club, college, and county. Kilmacud Crokes, UCD, and Dublin are used to competing for top honours, so Clancy relishes the January schedule.

Ger Brennan, the new Dublin manager, works as UCD GAA’s executive so Clancy’s load is monitored. “100 per cent,” Clancy responds.

“I liaise with Ger every week, he’d sort everything out in terms of balancing the college games and the inter-county games at the weekend. So, it is handy for me.

“January is always demanding, both physically and mentally. It is an enjoyable demand, I’d would say.”

Games arrive thick and fast, but Clancy relishes that aspect. “You’re playing two All-Ireland competitions in the Sigerson and Allianz League,” he adds.

“So, that is a privilege, in itself. I really enjoy having the matches week on week. You’re playing free flowing football in the Sigerson during the week.

“Then, you’re going out to Croke Park in the Allianz League, it is great. It is demanding, of course, mentally and physically, but I really enjoy it because it is great for development as a player.”

UCD commenced the 2026 Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup with an impressive victory over a gritty ATU Galway outfit. “The first game, you always don’t know what to expect, so it was great to get that first win,” Clancy says.

“It was a tough game now, ATU put it up to us, it was only in the last five or 10 minutes that we pulled away. It was a good test for us.”

Maynooth University, featuring several accomplished Meath seniors, are next on the agenda in Round 2A. “They’re a very good team, I know most of them from playing Meath over the years,” Clancy remarks.

“They’ve a young team, but very experienced at the same time so that will be a challenge.”

Clancy developed during an exciting stint for Crokes. “We got a few good runs with the club, I was very fortunate that I came out of minor at the right time,” he reflects.

“We got a good few games going far. It is great for experience for young players, getting those big games early on. Then, going into an inter-county set-up, you’ve that bit of experience. So, you feel a bit more confident then.”

A Crokes stalwart, Johnny Magee, is an addition to John Divilly’s UCD backroom team for the Sigerson campaign. “Johnny came in this year as a defensive coach,” Clancy says.

“He has brought great ideas for us to help us defensively and overall, as a team. I’d have known Johnny from the club over the years. He was one of the managers before I came in, I just missed him as a coach with the club. I’ve known Johnny from seeing him around the place, he is a great coach.”

Divilly’s passion for the Sigerson endures. “He is Mr UCD now, he is a great man,” Clancy replies.

“He does everything for us. He sorts everything. Any questions or queries, he’s always ready to help, he is a great man to have in charge.”

Next week’s Sigerson clash between UCD and Maynooth University will be worth watching.