Featured Club -UCD Athletic Club

The Students' of UCD are renowned for their outstanding achievements. UCD Athletic Club is no different. Located in Belfield, the students' comradery and determination make them a force to be reckoned with at any athletics meeting. RunRepublic.ie have been speaking to Richard Owens about the club.

Where is the club located

The club is located on the UCD Campus in Belfield, South Dublin. The Club makes use of the 330 acre campus which is just 4 miles from Dublin's City Centre as well as the tartan athletics track at Irishtown Stadium, just 3 miles from the campus

What year was the club Founded

The club was founded in 1913

How many members does the club have

The club has about 256 members currently

Who are some of the Top athletes who have been part of UCD Athletic Club

UCD Athletic Club have been lucky enough to have been home to some top Irish Athletes both past and present. Some of those athletes are: Past: James Nolan, David Matthews, Derval O’Rourke, Joe Sweeney, Mick Clohessy and Joanne Cuddihy Present: Mark English, Ciara Everard, Sarah Lavin, Karl Griffin, Ciara Mageean, Stephan Gaffney, Aisling Drumgoole

 What are some of the Clubs Honours

Current IUAA Women’s Road Relays Champions 19 time IUAA Outdoor Track and Field Champions 12 time IUAA Cross Country Champions

What is the clubs claim to fame?

The Athletics Club has produced more Olympians and World Championship competitors than any other Irish sports club

What are the clubs featured races for 2016?

Irish Universities Indoor Championships 12/02/2016 Senior Indoor Championships (27th-28th Feb) Irish Universities Track & Field (15th April – 16th April) National Senior Track & Field Championships (26th June- 27th June)

Since 2012 the club has been known as the UCD AC Bears, The “Bears” is in appreciation Joe Sweeney’s fantastic 5th place finish at the 2011 European Cross Country in Velenje, Slovenia. Standing at well over 6 foot 5 and running up to 5 laps of the campus a day (4 mile loop), Joe has become a mystical character around campus.

The UCD Elite Athlete Academy (EAA) was launched in 2009, specifically for students who wish to compete and succeed at the highest sporting levels while simultaneously attaining a university degree. Membership of the academy provides individuals with a range of support including subsidised fees and accommodation on campus is provided.

All in to addition, academic mentoring, physiotherapy and medical, nutritional and fitness monitoring, sports psychology and strength and conditioning. The EEA can also offer students flexibility with regards to CAO points when applying for specific college courses.

The club has a thriving social scene with several events and nights out throughout the year including a October weekend trip to Glendalough and a warm weather training trip in March to Portugal.

Two time Olympian and general superstar James Nolan is the current middle and long distance coach. Jerry Kiernan’s well known long distance group also make use of the campus facilities and are often seen most evenings during the week.