The GAA ball is the highlight of the year for many of UCD’s up and coming sport stars. For many the hard winter slog is but a fast fading memory and the exams are just about out of sight, so what better time than to let the hair down to enjoy a few not so quiet ones in the Stillorgan Park Hotel under the watchful eye under the GAA Godfather David Billings. The training plans will have been out the window for one night only for what were well deserved celebrations following a highly successful year across the board for UCD’s Gaelic Games outfits.
The Sigerson side played their part in a compelling Semi final, losing out to DCU at the bitter end. Yet the freshers lads have had a first year to remember,claiming an All Ireland league and Championship double. The future of football is bright indeed and the young guns put their stamp on two championship finals, with not one but two victories over the ever present DCU. The North siders will have been left reeling following the old one two.
Not to be outdone, the junior footballers claimed an All Ireland title of their own, laying siege to UUJ in a breathtaking weekend of competition.
The Ashbourne shield is in good company in the Belfield trophy cabinet courtesy of the university’s camogie team. You guessed it, the victory came once more at the expense of our noisy neighbours DCU. There can be little doubt that the bragging rights lie south of the river Liffey, making the newly won titles all the sweeter.
Perhaps the most subtle of the Gaelic games is played in the confinement of an alley. Martin Mulkerrins continued an impressive career in achieving victory in the United States Collegiate Handball Title, becoming the first Irish victor in seven years.
(Photo Credit Joe.ie)
