UCD Graduate Sports Scholars 2023/24 

Posted 20 October 2023

^{Graduate Sports Scholarship Awardees 2023/24 include a distinguished group of students. Back row from left to right: Gary O'Rourke, UCD GAA (Prof Masters of Education, Sponsored by UCD GAA & Student Services),  Rory Brickenden, UCD GAA (Master of Engineering Science, UCD GAA Club, Sponsored by UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy), Adam Fearon, UCD GAA (MSc Sports Management, Sponsored by UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science), Liam Murphy, UCD GAA (Master of Regional & Urban Planning, Sponsored by UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy), Sam Audsley, UCD GAA (MSc Project Management, Sponsored by UCD College of Business), Mark Hernan, UCD Rugby (MSc Finance, Sponsored by UCD College of Business), Charlie McGuckin, UCD GAA (MSc Renewable Energy & Environmental Finance, Sponsored by UCD College of Business), Ciaran Behan, UCD Soccer (Master of Accounting, Sponsored by UCD College of Business). Front Row, left to right: David Garland, UCD GAA (Prof Masters of Education, Sponsored by School of Education) Niamh Gannon, UCD GAA (Master of Accounting, Sponsored by UCD College of Business) Kate Kilcommins, UCD GAA (Masters of Law, Sponsored by UCD Sutherland School of Law), Dearbhla Gower, UCD GAA (Prof Masters of Education, Sponsored by UCD School of Education), Molly Hourihan, UCD Athletics (MSc Sports Management, Sponsored by UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science) Yelyzaveta Serbyna, UCD Swimming (MSc International Human Rights, Sponsored by UCD Sutherland School of Law), Shane McGrath, UCD GAA (MSc Management Consultancy, Sponsored by UCD College of Business). Missing from the photo is Linda Djougang, UCD Rugby away on International Duty (MSc Sports Management, Sponsored by UCD School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science).}

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University College Dublin celebrated the induction of the 2023/24 cohort of Graduate Sports Scholars with a ceremony on October 19th, 2023. This prestigious event marked the recognition of outstanding student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence both in their respective sports and in academia.

The Graduate Sports Scholarship (GSS) program at UCD is designed to support athletes who compete at the highest levels—nationally and internationally—while they pursue postgraduate studies at UCD. The program emphasises a dual commitment to sporting and academic achievement, offering a nurturing environment for student-athletes to thrive in both arenas.

Selected sports for the GSS program this year included GAA, Athletics, (opens in a new window)Rugby, (opens in a new window)Soccer, and Swimming, with consideration also given to exceptional candidates from other sports. This initiative is a testament to UCD's dedication to fostering an environment where athletic prowess and academic rigour coexist.

The scholarships are available across various esteemed UCD Schools and Colleges, including the (opens in a new window)Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, School of Education, UCD School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, and Sutherland School of Law.

Benefits of the scholarship include a 50% reduction in academic fees, comprehensive academic mentoring and support, access to state-of-the-art performance gyms, elite sporting facilities, and professional strength and conditioning support, along with nutritional advice. Additionally, recipients gain the distinction of earning a qualification from Ireland's leading university.

The event celebrated the accomplishments of the scholarship awardees, recognising each one for their dedication to academics and sports, along with the specific sponsorships provided by their individual UCD departments.

^{Pictured: Ger Brennan, UCD GAA Development Executive, is captured performing his duties as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.}

School representatives, such as (opens in a new window)Associate Professor, Oliver Kinnane; (opens in a new window)Associate Professor, Paul Ward; Assistant Professor, Rachel Farrell; (opens in a new window)Professor, Catherine Blake and Head of Student Recruitment and Admissions from UCD College of Business, (opens in a new window)Mrs. Elaine Aherne, attended to honour these scholars, demonstrating the University's support for their continued success.

This ceremony was not just a celebration of individual achievements but also a reflection of UCD's dedication to cultivating leaders who excel both in competitive sports and in the academic realm. The GSS program stands as a beacon of UCD's commitment to excellence, embodying the spirit of ambition and determination that the university fosters.

List of Scholarship Awardees 

By: Mags D'Arcy, Communications Manager, UCD Student Services & Facilities 

To contact UCD Student Services & Facilities, email: sscommunications@ucd.ie