Padraig Harrington Receives James Joyce Award
Theatre M in the Newman Building has seen plenty of psychology lectures over the years, ambulance but none of those have been given by somebody who has won three majors. Indeed, Padraig Harrington, who was receiving the James Joyce Award from the Literary and Historical Society last Thursday, took the opportunity to speak at length about the psychological aspects of being a top tier athlete.
The iconic golfer gave insight into his development as a golfer and how it has moulded his philosophy on sport. From his childhood he explained how practically growing up on Stackstown Golf Course, which his father owned, and being in competition with his older brother’s helped to shape him as a golfer. But still, he attributes the majority of his success to his ever evolving education into the psychology of the game. “I am always reading sports psychology books,” he explained.
Currently working with the same sports psychologist as Johnny Wilkinson and Johnny Sexton, he was able to give examples of where his mental approach to the game has come good, in particular during his two Open Championship wins and his PGA Championship win.
He was presented with the James Joyce award by Literary and Historical Society auditor Christine Simpson, an honour that was thoroughly deserved for a man who has contributed so much to Irish sport over the course of his career to date.
Basketball
UCD Marian received a drubbing at the hands of 11890 Killester in the Superleague on Saturday evening as they went down 93-54. Killester, who Marian beat in last year’s historic National Cup final, were never in trouble as they already had amassed 54 points by the half time break in contrast to UCD’s 24. Jermaine Turner led the scoring for the home side scoring with nineteen points while five other Killester players made it to double figures. Kevin Foley was the only bright spark for UCD scoring seventeen points on what was a frustrating night for the students.
The win means that Killester have secured at least second spot in the Superleague Northern Conference in turn ending UCD’s chances. UCD travel down to Cork next Sunday to take on Neptune where they will try to recover some pride in the wake of this weekend’s defeat.
Hockey
The Ladies Hockey first team fell to Loreto by a score of 4-2 on Saturday. UCD twice had the lead with goals from Deirdre Duke and Leah Ewart but Loreto fought back with equalisers from Cathy McKean and Niamh Small. They then proceeded to take the initiative as McKean scored her second and Sarah Barnwell but the final nail in UCD’s coffin with a late goal.
In recent weeks the ladies first team has seen their season take a hit as they have slipped from their perch on top of the Leinster first division. The loss to Loreto on Saturday saw them drop another place to third as Loreto leapfrogged them into second. UCD will be looking to get their season back on track next Saturday in Bray against last place Three Rock Rovers.
