Autumn 2012 Edition
UCD Search
Published: 12 September 2012
Ten years of making a difference overseas
UCD Volunteers Overseas (UCDVO) celebrated its 10th Anniversary in 2012 and over the course of the summer, 100 volunteers who participated in the 2011/12 UCDVO programme continued working on community development projects in India, Haiti, Nicaragua and Tanzania. Projects included the construction of houses, schools, agricultural storage centres, and latrines; teaching in primary, secondary and non-formal schools; implementing physiotherapy projects in shelters and care homes for the disabled and marginalised; setting up computer labs and implementing a computer training programme for teachers; and running summer camps for children living in disadvantaged areas. UCDVO has long-running relationships with partner organisations in each of the locations where projects are carried out, ensuring careful project planning and allowing for real investment in initiatives proposed by the local communities.
UCDVO extended its appreciation to everyone within the UCD community who has supported their work over the past 10 years and would like to encourage more staff and alumni to get involved in the programmes. For more information please contact caroline@ucdvo.org / 7168570.
Inspiring the crowd at an education rally in South India were Emma Fryday (Physiotherapy), Jenni Monahan (Physiotherapy), Laura O'Philbin (Psychology), Colm Egan (Commerce), Sorcha O'Brien (Nursing), Kevin O'Byrne (BA International), Paul O'Sullivan (Psychology), Aoife Hyland (Physiotherapy) and Erica Walsh (Physiotherapy)
UCD students on Washington Ireland Program 2012
Three UCD students were selected from more than 400 applicants to join the Washington Ireland Program (WIP) 2012. Each year, the successful candidates, who have shown a commitment to service and a track record of leadership, take part in an eight-week internship and leadership training program in Washington DC.
The program aims to help the students to develop their skills through work experience, educational opportunity, and hands-on citizenship both at home and in the US.
The three UCD students selected for WIP 2012 are: Rebecca Dwyer,a second-year Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering student; Conall Devlin, asecond-year Business & Law student and Christopher Day, a third-year General Nursing student. Speaking from Washington, Rebecca Dwyer said: “I’m mixing with students from Cork, Galway, Dublin, Northern Ireland and the UK who have all achieved so much. It may sound cheesy but I can honestly say I have made lifelong friends here.”
Each year, thirty students in full-time third level education in Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK are selected for the Washington Ireland Program.
UCD salutes Olympian students and graduates
Six UCD students and graduates, Annalise Murphy, Arthur Lanigan O’Keeffe, Ger Owens, Deirdre Ryan, Derval O’Rourke and Joanne Cuddihy, were among the Irish team for the London 2012 Olympic Games.
“We are extremely proud of our students and graduates who represented their country.” President of UCD, Dr Hugh Brady said. “It was a fantastic Olympic Games for Ireland and we thank our team for their outstanding efforts.”
Annalise Murphy, the 22 year old UCD science student and Ad Astra Elite Athlete, came first in the first four races but suffered the disappointment of a fifth place in the Laser Radial Sailing medal race to finish fourth overall. It was an impressively brave effort and an excellent Olympics for Murphy.
“I had a brilliant week. My first two days of this event, nobody could beat me so I don’t think it gets much better than that. I’m only 22. All the girls are much older than me in the fleet. I’m going to work so hard for 2016 and hopefully I’ll be able to come good then.” Murphy said.
Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe finished in 25th place in modern pentathlon. The 20-year-old UCD Sports & Exercise Management student and Ad Astra Elite Athlete was lying 18th, out of 36 contenders, following the fencing, swimming and show jumping disciplines. Some shaky shooting, however, in the final combined event moved him out of the top 20 - his targeted final position. He confirmed afterwards that he intends to compete in Rio in four years time. "I went into the competition with no expectations and came out with a satisfactory result," he told RTÉ. "I gained a lot of experience and I'm really happy."
Ger Owens, a UCD BA geography and MSc business graduate, represented Ireland in sailing. Ger along with team mate in the mens 470 class, Scot Flanigan, finished 23rd overall with a net total of 173.
Deirdre Ryan, a former scholarship student and who attended UCD at both undergraduate and post graduate levels competed in the high jump. Deirdre successfully jumped 1.80 and 1.85, but missed at 1.90m.
Derval O’Rourke, a former sports scholar and student at both undergraduate (Arts), post graduate (Dip. in Business) and Masters levels, competed in the 100m hurdles. Derval made a fantastic start to the 100m hurdles semi-final, but failed to qualify for the final.
Joanne Cuddihy, a graduate of medicine and former scholar throughout undergraduate studies, competed in the 400m and 4x400m relay. Joanne did not advance to the final of the 400m as she finished 5th with a semi-final time of 51.88. In the 4x400m the team did not make it out of the heats but set a new season’s best of 3:30:55.
Senior Cup Championship for UCD Ladies Hockey
The UCD Ladies Hockey team claimed the prestigious title of Electric Ireland Irish Senior Cup Champions in May with a 3-2 win over Loreto with goals from Niamh Atcheler, Rachel O'Reilly and Anna O'Flanagan
This concluded the end to a fantastic season for the team as they also claimed a number of other distinguished honours. These include the Leinster Division 1 Cup and League double and the Chilean Cup, beating Queens University in the final.
2012 Sport Awards honour over 450 students
At the UCD Athletic Union Council Sport Awards ceremony held in May over 450 students from 27 different sports clubs were honoured by the university for their sporting achievements over the previous twelve months.
A number of special awards were presented on the night. The Rugby Club was named the “Elite Club of the Year” for the second year in a row in recognition of its outstanding competitive success during the period, while the Ladies Hockey first team was named the “Elite Team of the Year”.
Veterinary student, Niamh Field was awarded the ‘David O’Connor Memorial medal’ for her achievements in Athletics.
International athlete Ciara Everard was named as the “Dr. Tony O’Neill Sportsperson of the Year”, in recognition of her victory victory at both the Indoor University Championships and National Championships in the 800m. Ciara also broke the Sonia O’Sullivan’s Under-23 national record at the University Championships.
Produced by UCD University Relations
Share this story...
Download Full Edition
