University of Limerick Alumni Spotlight: Cian Tracey
In the latest instalment of our Alumni Spotlight series, we speak to Cian Tracey, Rugby Writer for the Irish Independent and BA New Media and English graduate.
Cian discusses how his career has taken him around the world and explains why students shouldn’t be afraid to step out of their comfort zone.
Tell us about yourself?
I was born in Limerick and grew up there until my family moved across the nearby border to Clare when I was six.
I’m the oldest of three. I attended Scoil Íde primary school and St Munchin’s College – both in Corbally – before I went to UL in 2007 and graduated in 2011.
Much of my childhood was spent playing and watching sport, which was a sign of things to come in later life. I now live and work in Dublin, with my wife, our daughter, and Bernese Mountain Dog.
Why did you choose to study New Media and English at UL?
Like many young people leaving school, I was never really sure what job I wanted to pursue.
I always had a strong interest in English, and was keen to study it further, whereas the New Media side of things was more so a curiosity about where that could possibly lead.
The journalism undergrad course hadn’t started when I was doing my Leaving Cert. If it had been an option, I am sure I would have gone down that route.
What did you enjoy about the course?
Initially, I liked the versatility of the course in that it offered many different modules, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into potential avenues to explore. That was ideal for someone like me, who was still figuring out what I would like to do after college.
But, without doubt, the best part was going on Erasmus to Denmark. Had it not been compulsory, I may have tried to dodge it, but I’m very glad I didn’t as it turned out to be the most enjoyable part of my time in UL.
It was all the better that I made a best mate for life – who is now also a work colleague – during our unforgettable semester in Aarhus. I couldn't recommend Erasmus highly enough.
Tell us about your career journey so far?
I began my career as a freelance sports journalist in 2012 – working for various national titles, covering sports like rugby, soccer, hurling and football.
That was mainly in the Limerick and the surrounding Munster area. As I began to gain more experience, I branched out to a national level.
I started with the Irish Independent in 2013, and for the last number of years, I have been working as a Rugby Writer.
I have been lucky enough to witness some amazing sporting events around the world – from New Zealand to America, while I have covered the last three Rugby World Cups in 2015 (UK), 2019 (Japan) and 2023 (France). Roll on Australia 2027!
How did your degree help you get to where you are now in your career?
Studying New Media and English definitely furthered my interest in how the media works, and the important role that journalism plays in modern society.
Meeting strict deadlines for essays and projects was a regular occurrence, and that helped set me up for what was to come in terms of the demands within sports journalism. It goes without saying that I learned a lot about the art of writing.
What advice would you give to anyone considering studying at UL?
Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. That is easier said than done when you are finding your feet in college, but there is so much on offer in UL and Limerick as a city – get stuck in!
At UL we encourage our students to Stay Curious. What keeps you curious and how important has curiosity been throughout your career?
The way media is consumed is constantly evolving, which creates a natural curiosity. That in turn places an importance on being adaptable and creative in order to stay ahead of the curve.
For instance, when I first started out in sports journalism, it was predominately about writing, whereas nowadays, podcasting and being comfortable in front of a camera is just as important.
In the rapidly changing world of media, you can't afford to stand still, and that means always being curious, which is why I read a lot and listen to a wide range of podcasts.
What are your plans for the future?
The nature of the industry means that the future can often seem uncertain, so I try to enjoy the journey in the moment and appreciate the opportunities that I have worked hard for, rather than looking too far ahead.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
For anyone interested in pursuing a career in journalism, my advice to you is this: Don’t listen to the doom and gloom merchants. Follow your passion and trust that if you work hard enough, the opportunities to thrive still exist. The role of true journalism is more important than ever.
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