2008 Press Releases
29.07.2008
University College Cork (UCC) yesterday (Monday, July 28th 2008) honoured the outstanding sporting achievements of its graduates over the last twelve months at a Photocall and Reception at UCC.
An array of silverware was on display when the sporting heroes gathered in UCC's Aula Maxima. UCC sporting heroes such as Finbarr Heddermann, who recently successfully swam the English Channel, attended along with UCC graduates who were part of the Heineken Cup success with Munster - Ronan O'Gara, Frankie Sheehan, Mick O'Driscoll, Denis Hurley and Tomás O'Leary. The Heineken Cup, the Magners League Trophy and the All Ireland Club Championship Cup were also on display.
The Liam McCarthy, the Brendan Martin All Ireland Ladies Gaelic Football Cup, Championship League and Munster Championship Cups, and Men's Munster Gaelic Football Championship Cup were also on show with Anthony Lynch, Seán O'Brien, Fintan Goold, John Hayes and Conor McCarthy representing the victorious Cork team. Eoin Brosnan represented Kerry while Tommy Walsh, Michael Rice and John Tennyson represented Kilkenny.
Laura McMahon and Caoimhe Creedon and coach Eamonn Ryan, represented the all conquering Cork Senior Ladies Gaelic Football team. Other trophies on display on the evening include the All Ireland Junior Football Cup which Cork won and the Munster Club Championship Cup won by Nemo Rangers. Representing Nemo Rangers were Seán O'Brien, Micheál Kearney, Ronan Murphy, Paul Brophy and Willie Morgan. Dr Con Murphy, medical doctor to all Cork teams was also present.
The U21 All Ireland Gaelic Football Cup was brought by Tomas Mac an tSaoir and Michael O'Donoghue representing Kerry. Tony Healy, All Ireland Handball Champion was also present.
Donoughmore Ladies Basketball Club was represented by Sinead Barry who were 1st Division League and Cup Champions. Also there was National Trampoline Champion, Gavin Dillon.
Soccer Cups were also on display with Neal Horgan, Cork City FC, bringing the FAI Cup, Micheál Mulconry, Cobh Ramblers, with the Eircom League 1st Division League Trophy, Michael Kiernan, Brendan O'Connell, Ken Bruton representing Avondale, who were Munster Senior League Champions, whilst Kieran O'Mahony, Alan Weldon and Graham Wilshaw, represented Rockmount, who won the FAI Intermediate Cup. The Linehan brothers Eoghan, Brian and Gareth were accompanied by the AOH Cup.
Mens' Hockey was represented by David Hobbs who was a member of the Church of Ireland team which won the Munster Senior League and Cup in 2008. Representing Women's Hockey were Sandra Hackett, Deirdre Casey, Orla McCarthy of Church of Ireland who were Munster Senior Cup winners and Rachel Kohler of Harlequins who were Munster Senior League Winners.
Ireland Senior Rugby Coach Declan Kidney, a UCC graduate, attended as successful coach to Munster along with Munster CEO, Garret Fitzgerald. Gerry Ryan, Bank of Ireland UCC attended the event in recognition of the Bank's continued sponsorship of UCC Sports Clubs.
Mr Con O'Brien, Vice-President for the Student Experience at UCC represented Dr Michael Murphy, President, UCC at the reception. Mr O'Brien, who will welcome the sporting heroes and guests said: "This is a unique occasion for the university to celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements of our graduates. The university is proud of its sporting heroes who have brought such honour to themselves and to their alma mater."
Members of the Graduates' Association and Alumni Board were also present, along with College personnel and members of the Department of Physical Education and Sport. Dr Clare O'Leary sent her apologies from the Alps where she is currently climbing.
Picture shows: UCC graduates Neal Horgan, Cork City FC, Cork Ladies' Footballer, Caoimhe Creedon and Ronan O'Gara, Munster and Ireland Rugby.
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