Over 530 Students Honoured at the AUC Sport Awards

Dated 16 May 2025

The UCD Athletic Union Council (AUC) Sports Awards took place in the Astra Hall on May 15th, recognising the achievements of over 530 UCD sportspersons from 25 clubs, who through their achievements, have brought prestige and honour to their clubs and to the University this year.

A number of special awards were announced. They included:

Ireland and UCD hammer throw athlete Nicola Tuthill was this year's winner of the ‘(opens in a new window)Dr. Tony O’Neill Sportsperson of the Year’ Award, and the 25th recipient of the award, in recognition of her record-breaking contributions to Irish athletics this year.

UCD Athletics Club was named ‘Elite Club of the Year’ following their impressive success over the last year at national and international level. UCD American Football Club took home the ‘Elite Team of the Year’ award following their win of the Shamrock Bowl XXXVI.

In terms of other award winners, the Varsity 1sts Men’s Basketball team were named ‘Varsity Team of the Year’ following a perfect season in which they claimed both the League and Intervarsity cups, while the UCD Mountaineering Club was named “Varsity Club of the Year”.

The 'David O’Connor Memorial Medal' was presented to Ladies’ Boat Captain Dervila O’Brien, and the 'Dr. Padraic Conway Memorial Medal' was presented to Cathal Murphy.

The ‘Gerry Horkan Club Administrator of the Year’ Award was presented to Joseph Albert of the Mountaineering Club.

Rower and Novice Squad Head Coach David Somers was named 'Graduate of the Year', while Ciarán Brennan received the inaugural ‘Volunteer Coach of the Year’ Award in recognition of his work with the UCD Taekwan-do Club. The UCD Trampoline Club received the ‘Club Inclusion’ Award for the second year in a row, and UCD Sailing Club won the ‘Club Event of the Year’ Award for their annual Alumni Regatta Event.

Commenting on the event, UCD President Professor Orla Feely said:

This evening, the University celebrates not only the outstanding sporting achievements of our students but also the enthusiastic participation of nearly 11,500 members in our sports clubs. Your energy and commitment help make our campus a vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming place—fostering a genuine sense of community and belonging.