League of Ireland great Andy Myler was named the UCD AFC First Team manager ahead of the 2020 season. The former attacking ace has plenty of experience having played for UCD for three years in the mid-1990s, helping the Club back into the top flight in the 1994-95 campaign. Myler, who is also UCD’s Head of Customer and Management Services in Estate Services, has reconnected to football having taken a break for some years. As a coach he worked with Shamrock Rovers, managing their A League and U20 sides a decade ago as well as working with Michael O’Neill during his successful tenure. Famously known for his playing years at Athlone, Drogheda and Shamrock Rovers, Myler is one of the top all-time League of Ireland goal scorers with 131 league goals.
Football returned to the UCD Bowl in March after nearly five months since the students’ heartbreaking playoff loss to Longford Town. Myler’s side will be hoping to go one step further this season and bring back Premier Division football to Belfield.
Kilkenny’s star Colm Whelan earned a maiden call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad. Whelan, who is studying BSc City Planning & Environmental Policy, has been lighting up the First Division in the League of Ireland over recent outings with UCD. He came to prominence when he was named on the First Division team of the year at the end of 2020 and after appearing on numerous Irish underage international squads. Whelan was also named this year’s UCD Dr Tony O’Neill Sportsperson of the Year.