When the Olympic opening ceremony commences in Paris tonight, Ireland will be represented by its largest number of athletes since the foundation of the State. Although the build-up to this year’s games was relatively tame, there can be no doubt that this evening, all eyes will be on the spectacle on the River Seine.
With a feast of sport awaiting us, we are delighted that a record number of 29 students and alumni from University College Dublin will compete at the games. We are particularly proud of current students – Eve McMahon, Claire Boles, Emily Lane and Nicola Tuthill, who will fly the flag for UCD and Ireland.
UCD President, Orla Feely, expressed the university’s pride and support for the athletes, stating: “We are very proud of all our UCD students and alumni who are travelling to Paris with Team Ireland. You are truly wonderful role models for our students and our entire community. UCD students, faculty, and staff are behind you and cheering you on every step of the way. Táimid an-bhródúil asaibh.”
Athletes across the following disciplines will represent the college:
Athletics
There has been unprecedented anticipation and confidence in Ireland’s athletics team coming into the games, and UCD is represented by six talented athletes across the track and field events. Leading the charge in the 1500-metres we have Ciara Mageean, Luke McCann, and Sarah Healy. Mark English will compete in the 800 metres, while second-year Science student, Nicola Tuthill, will showcase her skills in the hammer throw. Sarah Lavin will take on the 100-metre hurdles, rounding out a formidable group of athletes ready to make their mark in Paris.
Cycling
Lara Gillespie, the current European Track Champion, will represent Ireland in three events: team pursuit, madison, and omnium; With Megan Armitage taking on the streets of Paris in the road race.
Hockey
The men’s hockey team has a strong UCD representation, with four talented alumni: Ben Walker, Ben Johnson, Jeremy Duncan, and Shane O’Donoghue.
Rowing
Olympic gold medallist Paul O’Donovan will be looking to reclaim his title in the men’s lightweight double scull, while Olympic bronze medalist Eimear Lambe will compete in the women’s four event for the second time.
Rugby Sevens
UCD’s largest cohort of athletes will compete in the men’s and women’s Rugby Sevens. The talented lineup includes Bryan Mollen, Claire Boles, Emily Lane, Eve Higgins, Gavin Mullin, Harry McNulty, Hugo Keenan, Lucy Rock, Megan Burns, Beibhinn Parsons, Niall Comerford, and Terry Kennedy. The rugby sevens tournament kicked off on July 24th, with our men’s team unfortunately falling to Fiji at the quarter-final stage.
Sailing
Following on from her recent U-21 World Championship win, Eve McMahon will be full of confidence representing Ireland in the ILCA-6 event.
Swimming
Ireland will enter the water in Paris with a competitive team of swimmers. We will be competing in the 400m relay for the first time, and UCD is proud to be represented by Darragh Greene in this flagship event. Erin Riordan will represent her country in the women’s 400m freestyle and 400m medley relay.
With hopes running high for Team Ireland, there’s only one thing left to say, bonne chance!!
Róisín Lambe – Sports Editor
