Sports Clubs Highlights 2025-2026

Across the board, success was evident. The Archery Club enjoyed one of its strongest seasons to date, securing over 20 medals across competitions, including two U21 National Indoor Champion titles and seven medals at the National Student Indoor Championships. 

Similarly, the Athletics Club delivered a remarkable year, highlighted by dominant team performances and elite individual achievements. At the IUAA Cross Country Championships, the women’s team claimed first place while the men’s team finished fourth. This momentum carried through the season, with the women’s team again taking gold at the Road Relays and the men’s team securing bronze. Indoor success followed, as the men’s team were crowned IUAA Indoor Track & Field Champions, while the women placed third. The outdoor season proved equally strong, with the women’s team winning gold and the men finishing second overall.

Individually, DCU athletes shone on the global stage. Jack Raftery delivered an outstanding performance by finishing fourth in the 400m at the World University Games in Germany. Emma Moore earned selection to the Irish Senior Team for the World Indoor Athletics Championships and broke the Irish U23 800m record three times the season. Finn Woodger also impressed, winning the Irish Universities Indoor 800m in a championship record time.

Team sports also delivered major highlights. The Men’s Rugby team were crowned SSI/IRFU Division 2 Champions, while the Women’s Rugby team claimed the Tier 2 Cup title. Several players earned representative honours, including Dannah O’Brien and Sadhbh McGrath, who were selected for the 2026 Women’s Six Nations squad.

In Gaelic games, the men's secured victories in the Fresher C, Intermediate, and Junior Football Championships, while the ladies’ captured both the Lagan Cup and Division One League titles, alongside reaching multiple finals. The university also successfully hosted prestigious competitions including the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cups.

Elsewhere, the Men’s Volleyball team were crowned Intervarsity Champions, with the women finishing as runners-up. The Tennis Club secured the SSI League Division 2 title, while the Women’s Soccer team lifted the Lydon Cup, the first time in 26 years. The Hockey Club celebrated success as O’Byrne Cup Champions, and the Badminton Club were crowned SSI/BI League Champions.

Individual excellence extended across numerous clubs. In cricket, Boaz Ninan was named Best Batsman of the Tournament, while Ann Ninan earned Best Bowler honours. In rock climbing, Selma Unger and Martin Sarret claimed top finishes in their respective categories at Intervarsities, further showcasing DCU’s depth of talent.

We also saw strong performances from Table Tennis who celebrated league success and individual titles, Powerchair Football finished runners-up in the AIPF Cup, and Gymnastics & Trampolining secured team gold at ISTO 2025.

The achievements of DCU’s sporting community were recognised at the 2026 Club & Society Awards. Emma Moore was named Sports Scholar of the Year, while Dannah O’Brien earned Sports Personality of the Year. The Athletics Club’s Men’s and Women’s Road Relay teams were honoured as Team of the Year, and the Soccer Club was named Club of the Year.

With continued success across varsity competitions, strong participation levels, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field, DCU Sports Clubs have delivered a season to remember. As the university looks ahead, the foundation laid in 2025–2026 promises even greater achievements in the years to come.