History

From Humble Beginnings to National Success

The University College Cork (UCC) Ladies Hockey Club, officially sanctioned by the UCC Governing Body on 13 December 1909, stands as one of the oldest hockey clubs in Munster, if not the oldest . In its early years, the club rented local pitches, including Glasheen, before securing dedicated playing grounds at the Mardyke in the 1950s. This development marked a significant turning point, allowing the club to flourish. In 1955, UCC hosted the Chilean Cup for the first time, solidifying its role in Irish university hockey.

Women's Hockey: Triumphs and Traditions

UCC Women's Hockey has a storied history in university competitions, notably the Coffey Cup and the Chilean Cup. The Coffey Cup, established in 1918, was contested among National University of Ireland colleges—UCC, UCD, and UCG. UCC clinched its first victory in 1920 and continued to achieve success until the competition's last run in 1989. The trophy was rediscovered in 2023 at the Mardyke Arena, sparking renewed interest in this historic contest.

The Chilean Cup, open to all Irish universities since 1936, has seen UCC emerge victorious on multiple occasions, with their inaugural win in 1963. Notably, UCC secured the title in 1995, 2006 and 2007, with international players like Audrey O’Flynn contributing to these successes.

Men's Hockey: Building a Competitive Legacy

The UCC Men's Hockey Club was founded in 1972, expanding the university's presence in the sport. The team achieved a milestone in 1995 by winning the Mauritius Cup for the first time, a feat they replicated in 2012. The club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022, marking half a century of dedication and achievement.

The College Rule: Encouraging Collegiate Participation

Historically, the "College Rule" or "President's Rule" mandated that UCC students participate in university-affiliated sports teams. However, enforcement became challenging in the late 1980s and 1990s, leading to a shift towards encouraging, rather than requiring, student participation in UCC sports. While the rule is no longer in effect, students are still encouraged to represent UCC, fostering camaraderie and the college spirit.

Share Your Memories

If you have served as an officer in the club or have memories of competitions won with UCC Hockey, please share your experiences by emailing   sharon.hutchinson@ucc.ie. Your contributions help preserve and celebrate the rich history of UCC Hockey.

Here is a timeline of the history of UCC Hockey from the date of it's founding to the current day. If there are any notable achievements or events not included please email  sharon.hutchinson@ucc.ie