Swimming and Waterpolo

About

UCC Swimming & Waterpolo, located in the Mardyke Arena, is at the heart of student life at UCC. They cater to high-level swimming students, offering a year-round weekend away for intervarsities and masters galas. Coach Diarmuid Herlihy, a former open water swimming record holder, is a key figure in the team’s success, along with Coach Rob Lamb who is actively competing at Masters level and was previously a coach with Sundays Well SC. Professor Tom Cross, who is perhaps Cork’s best-known swimming coach with over 40 years of coaching experience, also contributes to the club's achievements.

Last year, UCC held the annual National Intervarsity Competition. It was the first time UCC had hosted in over 30 years, and we came away with an amazing 3rd place overall, behind UL and UCD, which both have National Centre Squads. Through joining UCC swim, you will become a part of a friendly and inclusive environment full of great training and great craic.

We compete in two competitions a year – an Invitational and the aforementioned Intervarsities. UCC Waterpolo offers a great avenue for those who wish to play waterpolo at a competitive level while maintaining a fun and relaxed atmosphere, though you’ll have to be tough and willing to take the occasional kick to the gut! Waterpolo, like swimming, culminates in the inter-varsity competition hosted by another Irish University. Last year, the team progressed in leaps and bounds, beating Trinity in the infamous traditional UCC x TCD friendly.

All the necessary equipment is provided at our training sessions. As swimming and waterpolo can be restrictive in terms of talking while training (and we do love to chat!), we endeavor to have regular social evenings so everyone can catch up and get to know each other outside of the pool. UCC Swimming & Waterpolo is a great club to keep active while making friends and getting the most out of your time at UCC.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us on Instagram (@uccswim) or email us at swimmingandwaterpolo@uccclubs.ie.