The Bank of Ireland UCD Athletic Union Council (AUC) Sports Awards were announced live on Facebook due to Covid-19 restrictions. UCD Sport was delighted to recognise the 340 UCD sportsmen and women from 21 clubs, who brought honour to their clubs and to the University this year.
A number of special awards were announced: Ireland and UCD Ladies Hockey player Lena Tice was named “Dr Tony O’Neill Sportsperson of the Year”.
The Men’s Boat Club Senior 8+ National Championship winning squad was named the Elite Team of the Year. The Club was also named Elite Club of the Year following success last year in numerous events at the University and National Championships.
In terms of other award winners, the Camogie team was named the Varsity Team of the Year following their Purcell Cup victory. The Sailing Club was named Varsity Club of the Year. The David O’Connor Memorial Medal was presented to Paralympic rower Katie O’Brien. The Dr Padraic Conway Memorial Medal was presented to the Camogie Club’s Jack Dunphy. The Gerry Horkan Club Administrator of the Year was presented to Callum Terry of the Karate Club. The Ladies Basketball Club President Emma Jane Dunne was the recipient of the Bank of Ireland Graduate of the Year. The Trampoline Club received the Bank of Ireland Club Inclusion Award and the Men’s & Women’s Rugby Clubs won the Bank of Ireland Event of the Year Award for organising Daffodil Day.
Commenting on UCD’s sporting achievements, AUC President, Professor Joe Carthy, said “The fact that we have so many students triumphant at Intervarsity level, and others taking on the cream of competition nationally and internationally, underlines the quality of our sportsmen and women. It is important also to give credit to our clubs and particularly the committees of each club. The continued efforts of clubs to engage with members during the Covid-19 closure demonstrates the true spirit of collegiality.”