DCU celebrate All-Ireland three in a row

DCU staff and students are today celebrating a unique hat-trick for the University.

With Dublin's win in the All Ireland Senior Football Finals, DCU grad Stephen Cluxton became the third DCU student or graduate in three years to raise the Sam Maguire Cup as captain.  Last year, DCU student, Michael Murphy, captained Donegal to victory and, in 2011, Bryan Cullen, another DCU student, led Dublin to victory.

DCU was well represented in Croke Park with 12 students and graduates featuring in the Dublin squad and one graduate in goal for Mayo.  

The following DCU students and graduates featured on the Dublin squad:

Current Students
Jonny Cooper, James McCarthy, Bryan Cullen, Eoghan O'Gara, Denis Bastick, and Dean Rock

Graduates
Stephen Cluxton,  Philly McMahon,  Paul Flynn (graduating in November),  Bernard Brogan, Kevin Nolan and Paddy Andrews.

DCU grad Rob Hennelly gave an impressive performance in goal for Mayo.

And DCU’s participation didn't stop on the pitch.  On the sidelines for Dublin was Michael Kennedy, Director of DCU GAA Academy, in his capacity as Assistant Manager for the Dublin team, and Mick Bohan, coach to DCU's Sigerson-winning teams in 2010 and 2012.  On the opposing side was DCU Health & Human Performance graduates, Liam Moffett on the medical back-up team and Ed Coghlan, strength and conditioning coach.

Michael Kennedy, Director of DCU GAA Academy said,

“I am delighted to see so many alumni of DCU GAA Academy involved in one of the biggest sporting occasions in the country.  It is a testament to the talent and dedication of those talented young athletes whom I have the privilege to work with on a day to day basis and to DCU’s sustained commitment to nurturing sporting excellence.”

The DCU GAA Academy provides talented young players with the opportunity to develop their sporting skills while obtaining a third level qualification leading to a sustainable, long-term career.  DCU GAA elite players hail from 25 counties in Ireland and include many All Stars such as Donegal captain, Michael Murphy, and Dublin footballer, Paul Flynn.