UCD Graduate Sports Scholars 2025-26

Back Row, left to right: Eoin Ryan, UCD GAA Club, Masters in Engineering, Sponsored by College of Engineering; Peter McDonald, UCD GAA Club, Professional Masters Education, Sponsored by School of Education; James Duggan, UCD GAA Club, MSc Sustainable Agriculture & Rural Development, Sponsored by UCD School of Agriculture & Food Science; Andrew O’Mahony, UCD Rugby Club, MSc Management Consultancy, Sponsored by Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Jack Nevin, UCD GAA Club, Masters in Engineering, Sponsored by College of Engineering; Darragh Reilly, UCD GAA Club, MSc Management Consultancy, Sponsored by Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Adam Treanor, UCD GAA Club, MSc Computer Science, Sponsored by College of Science; Sean O’Regan, UCD Men’s Soccer Club, MSc Aviation Finance, Sponsored by Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Ciaran Conway, UCD Boat Club, MEngSc in Electronic & Computer Engineering, Sponsored by School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Front Row, left to right: Dach Murray, UCD Boat Club, Graduate Entry Medicine (2nd Year), Sponsored by School of Medicine; Jena Macdougald, UCD Swimming Club, MSc Biotherapeutics & Business, Sponsored by College of Science; Katie Malone, UCD Women’s Soccer Club, MSc Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Sponsored by School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sports Science; Cara Murphy, UCD Athletics Club, Graduate Entry Medicine, Sponsored by School of Medicine; Lucy Dunne, UCD GAA Club, Professional Masters Education, Sponsored by School of Education; Ben O’Carroll, UCD GAA Club, MSc International Business, Sponsored by Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School; Daire Lynch, UCD Boat Club, Graduate Entry Medicine (2nd Year), Sponsored by School of Medicine.

University College Dublin celebrated the induction of the 2025/26 Graduate Sports Scholars with a ceremony on October 14th, 2025. This prestigious event honoured exceptional student-athletes who have excelled in both their sporting disciplines and academic pursuits.

The Graduate Sports Scholarship (GSS) program at UCD supports athletes competing at the highest levels - both nationally and internationally - while pursuing postgraduate studies. It embodies a commitment to balancing athletic and academic excellence, providing a supportive environment for student-athletes to thrive in both areas.

This year’s GSS program recognised athletes across a range of sports including Athletics, GAA, Rowing, Rugby, Soccer and Swimming. The initiative highlights UCD’s dedication to fostering an environment where athletic excellence and academic achievement go hand in hand.

The scholarships span various distinguished UCD Schools and Colleges, such as the Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, School of Agriculture and Food Science, School of Education, School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, College of Engineering and Architecture, School of Medicine, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, and College of Science.

Scholarship benefits include a 50% reduction in tuition fees, academic mentoring and support, access to top-tier performance gyms, elite sporting facilities, professional strength and conditioning coaching, and tailored nutritional guidance. Scholars also graduate with a qualification from Ireland’s leading university, further enhancing their future prospects.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of the scholars, acknowledging their dedication to academics and sports, as well as the contributions of individual UCD Schools that sponsor the scholarships.

The event was more than a celebration of individual accomplishments; it was a testament to UCD’s commitment to developing leaders who excel in both competitive sports and academic endeavors. The GSS program continues to reflect UCD’s ethos of ambition and excellence, inspiring the next generation of scholars and athletes alike.

List of Scholarship Awardees

Image Credit: Sportsfile