GAA
“Sigerson Through the Generations” brought together the 1996 and 2016 Sigerson Gaelic Football Cup-winning teams for a special evening of reconnection and remembrance. It was a powerful reminder of how deeply the collegiate experience continues to shape lives long after graduation, with alumni travelling from across Ireland and internationally to attend.
Beyond celebrating two remarkable teams, the evening reflected the continuity, character, and community that define UCD. The global footprint of the 2016 panel in particular speaks strongly to the reach of the alumni network, while the remembrance of figures such as Brian Mullins and Dave Billings grounded the event in gratitude and legacy.
SOCCER
A group of 18 alumni from the UCD Soccer Club freshman squad returned to China in April 2026 to mark the 50th anniversary of their historic 1976 tour of China and the Far East.
In September 1976, 24 UCD players became the first Western football team to play in China since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. The tour was proposed by coach Tony O’Neill, who secured contacts and sponsorship, while 18-year-old commerce student Paddy Dwyer captained the side.
The trip took an unexpected turn when Chairman Mao passed away during their visit. Scheduled matches were cancelled as China entered a week of national mourning, and the team instead toured key sites, including Mao’s birthplace.
Chinese Ambassador to Ireland, Zhao Xiyuan and UCD Vice-President for Global Engagement, Dolores O’Riordan welcomed the team on their return this year, noting the reunion trip demonstrated the power of sport and cultural exchange to build lasting ties between China and Ireland.
