We are excited to announce that the university’s sports teams have had an incredible semester, achieving remarkable results across various sports. Our teams have been putting in countless hours of hard work and dedication, and their efforts have certainly paid off.
Sports Report Highlights: 2023
Equestrian: Jill McGettigan, representing the University of Galway and Ireland, secured a spot in the Student Rider Nations Cup World finals in France. Her notable achievements include an individual gold medal for Ireland at the Student Rider Nations Cup Sweden in August 2023.
Rugby: Men’s Preseason Rugby Tour to France: University of Galway won against Gradignan RFC with a score of 5-0 (September 19, 2023).
Sailing: The University of Galway Alumni Team claimed the top spot in the 2023 Sailing League, followed by the University of Galway Gold Fleet in second place, and the University of Galway Silver Fleet in third.
Kayak: The Kayak Club showcased exceptional performance, with Laoise Plunket, the former club captain, securing 1st place in the women’s Boater X competition. The University of Galway has been chosen to host the upcoming Intervarsities in early 2024.
In the Xtreme Pantin European Championships, Megan Gamble, serving as the Safety Officer, achieved an impressive second place in Surf Kayaking, contributing significantly to the club’s success in extreme kayaking.
GAA – Mens Gaelic Football: The Men’s Gaelic Football team made history by winning the Division 1 League for the first time since 1979.
Women’s Soccer: On November 29 2023, the Women’s Soccer team secured a historic victory by being crowned Premier Division League champions with a 2-1 victory over Ulster University in the final at Athlone Town Stadium.
Archery: Trinity Campanile Cup: University of Galway archers performed well, with Eveline Nee winning gold (October 21, 2023); DCU IV: University of Galway archers dominated, with multiple top finishes (November 4, 2023); Irish Indoor Open: Dominik Pazdan, Szymon Kozak, and Stephen Treacy achieved success (November 11, 2023); In the second leg of the ISAA Indoor League on November 25 2023, the University of Galway Archery Club continued its impressive performance with 27 archers achieving notable positions in various categories.
Athletics: Sports Scholar, Fiona Everard excelled at the National Cross-Country Championships, winning the Senior Women’s title. Fiona, an Irish cross-country runner, made her senior international debut for Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships in Brussels on December 10 2023. She finished 34th in the senior women’s 9000m race, marking a significant achievement in her career. This event was her first senior international cap for Ireland, and she aims to return to the European Cross-Country Championships in the future to improve on her performance.
Mountaineering: The Mountaineering Club completed its annual ascent of Mweelrea, Connaught’s tallest mountain, marking the end of a successful year of hiking. Women’s Climbing Nights were organized to encourage female climbers’ participation.
Rowing: Brian Colsh won a gold medal in the World U23 competition, marking a significant accomplishment.
Volleyball: The University of Galway Men’s Volleyball team won the Varsity competition, earning the opportunity to represent the university in an international competition in the UK.
Judo: The Judo Club secured three gold medals, three silver medals, and one bronze medal at the Connacht Judo Championships on October 20.
Weightlifting: National Age Grade Championships 2023: UG Weightlifting Club had several top performers (September 23 2023); Celtic Nations Weightlifting Championship: Yan Leydon represented Ireland, and Team Ireland placed second overall (November 18 2023); Cork Open: Yan Leydon placed second in the -102kg category (October 21 2023).
Basketball: The University of Galway Mystics secured their first win this season against Portlaoise Panthers by 75-61.
Golf: Liam Nolan, representing the University of Galway Golf Club, displayed exceptional skill in winning two matches during the Walker Cup, becoming the first golfer from a Galway club to participate in this prestigious amateur team competition.
Taekwondo: The University of Galway Taekwondo Team students, Vickie Popoola, Sapphire Guilfoyle, Admir Music, and Aoife McKeagney, won three silver medals at the World Championships in Birmingham in July 2023.
Muay Thai: Giulia Comini participated in the Unified World Championships in Carrara, Italy, securing four gold medals and a bronze in various categories. Congratulations on her impressive performance at the Unified World Championships.
Cricket: University of Galway won the DCU Indoor Cricket Tournament (November 18 2023).
Hockey (Women): University of Galway 1 and University of Galway 2 teams achieved several wins against different opponents (October 1 – November 12 2023).
Table Tennis: Cillian Kirby had a successful run in the Advanced Tournament, winning all matches (November 24 2023).
Fencing: University of Galway Fencers achieved success in various competitions, including bronze placements in the Intermediates and gold in Schull 2023 (September 30 and November 4 2023).
Badminton: at the recent Expleo Ulster Premier Open, students Richard Kong and Adam Daynes (badminton captain), participated in the men’s doubles discipline—a competition graded as Premier, the highest level. They secured a commendable second place, clinching notable victories, including one against the former sports scholarship athlete Callum Thomas.
These highlights showcase the diverse and impressive achievements of the University of Galway’s sports teams across multiple disciplines during Semester one.