UCD FC Make History with Fourth Consecutive IUFU Harding Cup Title

Posted 29 January 2026

UCD 3-2 UCC

UCD Football Club have made history this week, securing a record-breaking fourth consecutive Irish Universities Football Union (IUFU) Harding Cup title with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over University College Cork.

The final got off to a fast start, with UCC taking an early lead just four minutes in, putting immediate pressure on the holders. UCD responded well, growing into the game and beginning to assert control in midfield and attack.

That pressure told when Kevin Sweeney levelled the match, bringing UCD back on terms and settling the side after the early setback. Momentum swung firmly in UCD’s favour soon after, with captain Hugh Smith firing UCD ahead to make it 2-1.

Smith wasn’t finished there. Before the break, the UCD skipper struck again, adding a third goal before half-time and giving UCD a commanding advantage heading into the interval.

UCD managed the second half with composure and maturity, limiting UCC’s chances and maintaining control of the game. UCC did pull a goal back in the final minute, but it proved to be little more than a consolation as UCD saw out the closing moments to secure another Harding Cup triumph.

Congratulations to all players, coaches and backroom staff on an outstanding achievement and a historic IUFU Harding Cup triumph.

Photo credit: (opens in a new window)Sportsfile