Trinity along with University College Dublin, Queens University Belfast and University College Galway were one of the four universities who took part in the inaugural competition in 1914.
UCD defeated Trinity 5-2 in a semi-final tie that year played at Prospect Park, Glasnevin and then went on to become the first winners of the newly established Collingwood Cup with a 2-1 victory over Queens in the final played at Dalymount Park.
The Collingwood Cup is an all-island affair and one of the oldest trophies still being played for in Irish football and although it was established in 1914 and the centenary was celebrated at the 2014 tournament held in University College Dublin, the First World War followed by the Irish War of Independence resulted in the competition failing to go ahead during several of the years.
Trinity’s last outright success came in 1979 and their only other win was in 1967 although they did share the trophy on two occasion in the 1940’s. They reached the 2015 final at Eamonn Deacy Park Galway only to go down 3-1 to University College Cork. The last time a host university captured the cup was in 2003 when University College Cork were winners at The Mardyke beating University College Dublin in the final.
Former Ireland rugby international Hugo McNeill recently announced as a Trinity Sport ambassador presided at the draw and he also has the distinction of been part of the last Trinity Collingwood Cup winning side of 1979.
In recent times the tournament has reverted to a three-day affair and already two first round ties have taken place with Ulster University defeating Mary Immaculate College 4-2 at the AUL Complex. While the other game in Maynooth University was finally decided in a penalty shootout with the home side knocking out NUI Galway 7-6 after the game ended 2-2 following extra time.
Ulster University were drawn against their Belfast rivals Queen’s University and will meet the winners of the Trinity – UCC game in the semi-final. In the opposite end of the draw, 44 times winners UCD will have a Dublin derby against DCU to look forward to in their search for a 45th success. The winners of that tie will face the victors of Maynooth University and University of Limerick.
Rustlers continue their partnership with Rustlers Third Level Football and the Collingwood Cup. Speaking at the draw, Emma Yourell, Rustlers Assistant Brand Manager said "Today's draw is the start of a very exciting year of action. Rustlers is proud to continue its' support of and commitment to one of the oldest All-Ireland football cup competition, celebrating its 100th tournament in 2020 – we’re eager to see the talent at this tournament again this year”.
Michelle Tanner, Head of Sport and Recreation, Trinity Sport commented, "Trinity Sport are honoured to host the 2020 Irish Universities Collingwood Cup in what will be a historic year for the competition as it will be staged for the 100th time. The Collingwood Cup is one of the sporting highlights throughout the intervarsity calendar, we are delighted to host it across our sporting facilities, and we wish the very best of luck to the participating teams throughout the competition."
Terry McAuley, IUFU Chairman, said, “The year 2020 will be a milestone one in the long history of the Collingwood Cup and in that time it has seen many changes. Over that time the format has changed beginning with four teams, peaking at 16 and now 11 while the gruelling five day tournament of some years ago has now come down to a more manageable scenario for present day students. We have already seen some excellent football in the first round and hopefully those standards are maintained until the final ball is kicked.
RUSTLERS IUFU Collingwood Cup – Quarter-Final Draw
Maynooth University v University of Limerick
Queen’s University Belfast v Ulster University
Trinity College v University College Cork
Dublin City University v University College Dublin
All games to be played on Monday 3rd February
RUSTLERS IUFU Collingwood Cup – Semi-Final Draw
Dublin City University or University College Dublin v Maynooth University or University of Limerick
Queen’s University Belfast or Ulster University v Trinity College Dublin or University College Cork
All games to be played on Tuesday 4th February