By Dylan O'Connell

With the 2016 Collingwood Cup reaching its quarter-final stage today, some tantalising fixtures await soccer fans, from Dublin Derbies between DCU and Trinity, as well as UCC renewing acquaintances with Maynooth.

Here are five players sure to catch the eye:

1. Jamie McGrath (Maynooth, St. Patricks Athletic): A household name to any League of Ireland fan, the 19 year old will be certainly a key figure in Maynooth’s title aspirations. The midfielder began playing with Cherry Orchard before graduating to St. Patricks Under 19 side, and signing his first professional contract with the Saints in 2015.

In 2015, the young midfielder forced through the barriers into a midfield containing the likes of Greg Bolger, Ian Birmingham and Killian Brennan, to make 23 appearance and score 2 goals for St. Pats. McGrath capped off the season by winning the EA Sports Cup.

McGrath has a firm reputation as a commanding midfielder with the ability to grab games by the scruff of the neck and not afraid to take chances. On any given afternoon, McGrath will have covered the every blade of glass from commanding a high line of defence to challenging defenders and not afraid to have a shot at goal.

2. Gary O Neill (UCD): A rising star in the centre of the field, O Neill began his days playing for English side Wolverhampton Wanderers, but an injury laden spell side tracked his career. A return home, and with impressive displays for Republic of Ireland under 17’s and Hereford United earned the young Kerryman a place at UCD.

It was here, the young midfielder thoroughly rose to prominence. A play maker through and through, O Neill has an established reputation as a skilful playmaker from both open play and set pieces, and helped UCD to a memorable 2015. Breaking through the glass ceiling of Irish football, O Neill produced memorable European performances Luxemburg opposition F96 Dudelange. Midway through the second half, O Neill came close to Euro glory when his volley was turned over the bar by the slimmest of fingertips. Captained and scored for UCD in yesterday's win over Royal College of Surgeons

3. Sean O’Mahony (UCC): A recipient of the Roy Keane Sports Scholarship, the centre back has been a firm and commanding voice for the Leesiders over the last two seasons, from their victorious Collingwood Cup campaign to the college reaching the quarter finals of the 2015 EA Sports Cup. The 20 year old first rose to prominence with a memorable 2012/2013 season, as well as making 10 senior appearances that season. In 2014, he capped off two excellent seasons at the Ramblers by winning the 2014 Enda McGuill Cup, after a 3-2 victory over Drogheda United.

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Another goal at the Mardyke. Last kick of the match UCC win 3-2 with a winning goal from Sean O Mahony

— UCC Sport (@UCCSport) April 7, 2015

On coming to UCC, the 20 year old centre back has cemented himself as a solid rock in defence, as well as a commanding voice capable of rallying the team together and unifying them from the backline. The defender has also shown to have an eye for goal, with the defender scoring a stoppage time winner against Cobh Ramblers in 2015 to kick start a memorable EA Sports Cup campaign.

4. Garbhan Coughlan (UL, Limerick FC): The 23 year old striker, born and raised on the banks of the River Shannon, Coughlan has proven himself to be a veteran of League of Ireland football following five seasons spread between Athlone Town and Limerick FC.

Throughout that period, Coughlan has amassed a reputation as a cool headed versatile striker who can produce both at League of Ireland level and Interversities level. He has put in memorable performances for UL, including scoring a brace against Athlone town in the CUFL Premier Division, as well as helping UL to win the 2015 Farquhar Cup. After signing for his hometown club Limerick, Coughlan will be eager to impress and press on in 2016.

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#MSC Full-Time: #LimerickFC 3-1 @cobhwanderers. @GarbhanCoughlan with two and @pauloconor10 see Limerick to an extra-time win #loi

— Limerick FC (@LimerickFCie) January 30, 2016

5. Kevin Feely (DCU): In terms of experience, Feely will certainly be a heavyweight for the Dubliners this week and be a big figure on and off the pitch. The 23 year old midfielder will bring a large wealth of experience and talents to the DCU midfield, having enjoyed spells both home and abroad with Bohemians, Charlton Athletic, AFC Wimbledon as well as Newport County.

Feely has also learned from some of the best coaches Ireland has had to offer, from former Bohs manager Pat Fenlon to Aaron Callaghan, which helped nurture his growing talents. The 23 year old has also represented Ireland at Under 21 level. Feely will be hoping to tap into his wealth of experiences over the coming few days, and organize the DCU backline into a well-organized unit.