UCC Athletic Track Reopens

2 Oct 2026

UCC (University College Cork) officially reopened the Athletics Track at the Mardyke Sports Grounds last week, marking a new chapter for student sport, athletics and community participation at the University.

The reopening was attended by Sonia O’Sullivan, one of Ireland’s most celebrated athletes, alongside her daughter and fellow athlete Sophie O’Sullivan, and Laura Nicholson of Bandon AC.

The Mardyke Sports Grounds have long been part of Cork’s sporting life, with generations of UCC students, athletes, clubs and members of the wider community training and competing at the city-centre venue.

The newly installed Mondo athletics track represents a significant investment in student sport at UCC and was made possible through the financial support of UCC students.

Speaking at the reopening event, President of UCC Professor John O’Halloran said:

“The launch of the upgraded and improved track here at the Mardyke reflects the shared commitment of UCC and our students to creating opportunities for everyone to be active, ambitious and connected.

“We are deeply grateful to our students, whose contribution and support made this redevelopment possible. Their investment has created a facility that will benefit the entire university community, supporting participation, wellbeing and sporting excellence while also providing opportunities for local athletes and young people of all backgrounds and abilities to engage in sport for years to come.”

The project was delivered by UCC Building & Estates in partnership with UCC Sport and the wider project team.

The reopened facility will support student participation, UCC Athletics Club activity, teaching, training and performance sport, as well as wider community use.

Students at the heart of the celebrations

Students and local schoolchildren were at the centre of the reopening celebrations, with children from local schools taking part in an athletics festival supported by Cork Sports Partnership following the formal ceremony.

Children had the opportunity to run, jump and throw on the new track, with inclusive activities allowing children of all abilities to take part.

Physical Education students from UCC’s School of Education also helped to design and deliver the festival, giving them an opportunity to put their learning into practice while encouraging local children to get involved in athletics.

UCC Students’ Union President Eleanor McCahill said: “As Students’ Union President, I am delighted to see such a wonderful facility open for the students of UCC. This track will play a vital role in both mental and physical wellbeing as well as the enjoyment of athletes, students and visitors.

“The track is part of a bigger project that will provide excellent facilities for years to come and I am very excited to see what the future holds.”

Deputy President and Registrar Professor Stephen Byrne said: “The reopening of the Athletics Track is an important milestone for sport at UCC and for the wider Cork community.

“This upgraded athletics track will provide a welcoming space where students, local athletes and young people can build connections, develop resilience, pursue their ambitions and create lasting memories. Seeing students and local schoolchildren come together to enjoy the facility today is a wonderful expression of that ambition and of the Mardyke’s enduring place in Cork’s sporting life.”

The reopening brought together UCC students, local schoolchildren, athletes, volunteers and sporting partners to celebrate the new facility and take part in the day’s activities.

UCC Sport acknowledges the support of UCC students and UCC Students’ Union, UCC Building & Estates, UCC School of Education, Mardyke Arena UCC, Cork Sports Partnership and UCC Athletics Club in delivering the project and reopening celebrations.