Sport and St Mary’s
Sport and physical education are integral to life in St Mary’s for many students. Sport has always been part of our story.
Our ladies’ netball team has a brilliant track record, winning a series of inter-varsity competitions. The nature of our students and our relatively small size means players are teammates across several sports in female and male codes.
We are immensely proud of our men’s Gaelic Football team’s successes, including playing in five Sigerson finals and winning two. The most recent win was in 2017, and we lost the final in 2019 after an unforgettable run as underdogs.
“The passion for sport, the rivalry, craic and camaraderie add to the rich atmosphere on campus.”
High Five!
Given our size and relatively small pool of players, these are remarkable feats. In the interim, teams have had varying degrees of success, but they all shared characteristics of an intense team spirit, loyalty to the jersey and an ability to defy the odds and punch above our weight.
Camogie and ladies’ football
Gaelic games have grown in numbers with competitive teams in hurling, camogie and ladies’ football. Whatever the team, our students and supporters are passionate about ‘the Ranch’ and the mythical appeal of the badge and iconic St Mary’s jersey. The camaraderie and craic that sport brings on campus is unreal. It helps new students feel at home and settle quickly.
Focus on Netball
St Mary’s University College Netball Club competes in the All-Ireland Universities League and the Callaghan Cup, with a first and second team competing in both competitions. St Mary’s has had players represent the College on the Northern Ireland Universities team. Head Coach Elaine McLaughlin has also recently retired as head coach at national level. In recent years the Netball club has won three back-to-back All-Ireland Leagues.
Healthy Mind, Healthy Body
We understand and appreciate the value of a healthy mind in a healthy body. So we facilitate all students, whether occasional gym attendees, or athletes playing at an intense higher level. We put a premium on physical fitness and physical and mental well-being.
