The Principal, Professor Peter Finn KSG, issued the following correspondence to staff and  students on 31 March 2026:

Dear Students

I believe this an appropriate time to share some information about the students who participated in inter-university sport on behalf of the College over the past few months.

It is a great sign of the vitality of student life at St Mary’s that so many of you are involved in college sports teams. Gavin has compiled some photographs of the teams as well as providing a summary of activities below. Please give this your consideration.

I cannot emphasise enough how clubs and societies are so beneficial to student life at the College. Although my message today is about sports teams, I commend the activities of all student groups. Participation by students in their own clubs and societies is a joy to observe and it receives as much support as the College can afford, especially in terms of covering the high cost of travel.

Team sports are a large element of student life at St Mary’s. Not because we (ie. management) direct this, but as a result of what students want to do, and how they choose to spend their time.

I take great delight when I observe groups of students leaving the College in coaches to take part in inter-university sports. Lifelong memories are forged in such competitions, during which our students give of their time and talents to support each other on the field of play.

This year we have a fantastic individual success in the case of MSc student Fergus Bryce. Fergus competed at the British Universities Championships representing Queen’s University  in rowing, winning gold in the Double Sculls and silver in the Quadruple Sculls. These are smaller teams, but the same ethos of joint endeavour in competitive sport.

St Mary’s University College Sports Teams 2026

Ladies Gaelic Football: Our Ladies’ Gaelic football teams continue to flourish at St Mary’s. This season, we were delighted to field two teams in the HEC competitions. Our Lynch Cup team faced a challenging away draw to DCU in the first round, which was followed up a week later by another difficult trip to DKIT, resulting in the squad failing to secure a top two finish and exiting the competition at the group stage. Meanwhile, our second team exited the competition after losing to Ulster University Magee in the Championship. Both squads represented the college with commitment and pride throughout their respective campaigns.

Camogie: After a strong showing by our camogs in the league, attention turned towards a tilt at the Ui Mhaolagoin Cup. Confidence was high following an excellent victory over TUD in Dublin, unfortunately for the girls and their management team, led by Dara McGahan they lost out to UU Magee and ATU Galway in their group, narrowly missing a coveted qualification spot.

Netball: Our netballers enjoyed a brilliant league campaign, once again qualifying for the SSI Netball League Final. Unfortunately, the girls came up against a strong Queen’s University side, who proved worthy winners on the day. Our thanks as always, to Dr Elaine McLaughlin for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the team throughout the season.

Senior Gaelic Football: In the opening round of the 2026 Sigerson Cup campaign, our men’s senior football team delivered an excellent performance at home against Maynooth. Despite their strong display, they were unfortunate to lose by two points in what was a highly entertaining match held at Davitt’s GAC, Belfast. In the second round, St Mary’s were paired against ATU Galway in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Despite trailing by two points at half-time, St Mary’s, who had the advantage of the wind in the second half, were still in a strong position. Unfortunately, the loss of key personnel during this period proved costly, and we bowed out of the 2026 competition.
Our students should be commended for ensuring that Sigerson Cup football has been secured for another year after a successful Ryan Cup League Campaign.

Freshers Gaelic Football: Our Fresher Football team had a mixed championship campaign. The opening round saw us fall to a strong ATU Donegal in blustery conditions in Downings. However, the team responded superbly a week later with a high‑scoring victory over Limerick‑based TUS Midlands in Abbottstown. This win set up a quarter‑final clash with SETU Carlow in the Quarter Final of the Fresher Championship. Unfortunately, this proved to be a step too far for the team on the day. This was the largest panel of first‑year footballers we have had in many years, and it bodes extremely well for the future of college football within St Mary’s.

Hurling: The return of hurling to St Mary’s this year was a very welcome boost. Our team successfully fulfilled all our championship fixtures, facing the Royal College of Surgeons, Ulster University Magee, and Dundalk Institute of Technology in the group stages and performing admirably. Major credit must go to the student‑led management team of Eoghan Mullin and James Duggan for their commitment and effort throughout the campaign.

Soccer: Following a strong run to the CUFL League Quarter Finals in the early part of the season, hopes were high that a run in the Crowley Cup was possible for this side, however a 2-0 defeat to UU on the opening day ended our interest in this competition for another year.

Sports Bursary Recipients: St. Mary’s University College was delighted to host the 2026 Ulster GAA Student Bursary award ceremony this year. These bursaries recognised the Ulster GAA’s continued commitment to support students who promote the values and ethos of Gaelic Games throughout the duration of their university experience. Our successful students were: Eva Cullen (Edendork, Tyrone), Dara McGahan (Tullysaran GAC, Armagh), Eoghan Mullin (Eoghan Ruadh Dungannon, Tyrone), James Duggan (Newry Shamrocks, Down), Caitlin Lenaghan (Crossmaglen Rangers, Armagh), Senan Rooney (Aodh Ruadh Ballyshannon, Donegal), Aine Conroy (Naomh Mhuire An Port Mór, Armagh), Cairenn O’Neill (Coalisland Fianna, Tyrone), Aoife Byrne (Mullaghbawn, Armagh), Eoghan McConnell (Glenelly, Tyrone).

In addition, we had three students: Darragh Croarkin (Monaghan), Grace Shannon (Antrim) & Oisin O’Kane (Tyrone) who received the Enhanced GPA Bursary award to support the completion of the MSc degree programme in PE and Sport for Young People.

Sponsorship:  The student athletes wish to recognise and thank those who provided sponsorship for the College Sports Teams: