University of Limerick named Student Sport Ireland Sports College of the Year
University of Limerick has been named Student Sport Ireland Sports College of the Year for 2025/26, recognising the University’s achievements across student sport competitions during the academic year.
This national award honours the overall sporting performance of colleges and universities competing in Student Sport Ireland (SSI) competitions, taking in achievements across a range of sports rather than one individual team or competition.
It was a particularly strong year for UL, with the University competing in nine of the ten SSI competitions and claiming a number of major titles, including a historic Fitzgibbon Cup and Sigerson Cup double, Men's Rugby Division 1 and the Purcell Cup. UL also finished as runners-up in Women's Rugby and Mixed Hockey.
The recognition reflects not only success in competition, but also the strength of the sporting ecosystem across UL and the contribution of student-athletes, clubs, coaches, volunteers and staff throughout the year.
Professor Shane Kilcommins, President of University of Limerick, said:
"Being named Student Sport Ireland Sports College of the Year is a wonderful recognition of the people who make sport such an important part of life at University of Limerick. This achievement reflects the commitment, talent and hard work of our student-athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs and staff, who together create a vibrant sporting community built on ambition, teamwork and excellence.
"At UL, we believe sport has the power to transform lives. It helps our students to develop confidence, resilience, leadership skills and a strong sense of belonging. While we take great pride in the remarkable success achieved in competition, we are equally proud of the inclusive sporting culture that enables students of all abilities to participate, grow and thrive.
"This award celebrates not only an exceptional year of sporting achievement, but also the values and community spirit that underpin everything we do.”
The award caps off another memorable year for UL sport, with students and graduates continuing to excel across local, national and international competition.
UL's connection with elite inter-county GAA was once again evident throughout the summer. Current students and graduates featured across a number of All-Ireland winning teams, including Limerick's senior hurlers, Mayo's senior footballers, Galway's ladies footballers and Cork's senior camogie side.
In athletics, UL athletes delivered a series of standout performances at the National Athletics Championships. Fintan Dewhirst claimed gold in the 400m hurdles, Conor Cusack won the javelin title, and Kotryna Pacerinskaite won the Weight for Distance while setting both a National Record and Championship Record. UL athletes also earned a number of other podium finishes across the championships, highlighting the depth of talent within the athletics programme.
On the international stage, Seamus Clarke finished fifth in the world in the 5000m Race Walk at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Oregon, setting a new Irish U20 record. Recent graduate Oisín Lane represented Ireland at the European Athletics Championships, while UL alumni Ciara Neville and Sarah Leahy were part of the Irish women's 4x100m relay team that set a new national record.
Across other sports, Senan McDonnell and Mathys Bocquet represented Ireland at the FISU World University Championship Triathlon in Switzerland, while former UL student-athlete Jenna Slattery continued her professional football career by signing a new contract with Ipswich Town FC.
At the World Para Swimming European Championships in Türkiye two weeks ago, Róisín Ní Riain and Dylan Prenderville represented Ireland, with Dylan making his senior international championship debut and Róisín continuing to compete among the world’s leading para swimmers.
Many of these athletes have been supported through the UL Sports Scholarship Academy, which this year celebrates its tenth anniversary this autumn and has now surpassed the milestone of 1000 scholarships awarded.
Over the past decade, the academy has become a cornerstone of UL's sporting success, supporting high-performance student-athletes through scholarships, academic flexibility, expert coaching, sports science services, performance supports and accommodation in the University's Athlete Village.
Neasa O'Donnell, Head of Student Sport at UL, said: “At University of Limerick, sport is hugely important and it is part of who we are. We are incredibly proud of the outstanding sporting achievements of our students and the dedication, commitment and ambition they demonstrate both on and off the field.
"Our success reflects a proud legacy of sporting participation and achievement, built on a long-standing tradition of excellence. Sport is an integral part of the student experience at UL, and we are proud of the role it plays in shaping confident, ambitious and high-achieving students.
"To be recognised with this prestigious title is a tremendous honour.”
While elite success continues to be a defining part of UL’s sporting identity, wider student participation remains at the heart of the University's approach.
With more than 30 sports clubs, outstanding facilities and a strong commitment to student wellbeing, UL offers opportunities for everyone to take part, whether competing for national titles, representing Ireland on the international stage, or simply getting involved, making friends and enjoying sport as part of university life.
The Student Sport Ireland Sports College of the Year award recognises a fantastic year of achievement, but it also speaks to the culture that has been built over many years and continues to thrive right across the university community.
