TU Dublin Hosts its Annual Student Sports Awards

TU Dublin hosted its annual Sports Awards at the Aviva Stadium on 1st May 2025, bringing together a vibrant community of student-athletes, sports club members, coaches, and supporters to celebrate an exceptional year of sporting achievement across the University.

The evening honoured both elite athletes and dedicated club members for their outstanding contributions to sport at TU Dublin, with Sports Star Awards presented to Olympian Sean Waddilove, Leinster Rugby’s Alex Soroka, and Cork Camogie All-Star Saoirse McCarthy.

Sean Waddilove, a second-year Sport Management and Coaching student, represented Ireland in the 49er sailing class at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. He delivered a world-class performance, reaching the prestigious Medal Race and finishing fourth overall—just shy of a podium finish.

Alex Soroka, a former Ireland U20 international and now a senior player with Leinster Rugby, received recognition not only for his sporting achievements but also for his significant humanitarian efforts. In response to the war in Ukraine, he raised over €64,000 for a children’s hospital in Kyiv, supporting a cause deeply connected to his heritage.

Saoirse McCarthy, a postgraduate MSc Digital Marketing student, was honoured for her remarkable contribution to camogie. A standout athlete, Saoirse is a two-time college All-Star, three-time inter-county All-Star, and a key player on this season’s Ashbourne Cup team.

The Men’s Premier Soccer Team was named University Team of the Year following an outstanding season, narrowly missing out on a historic league and cup double. The 24-man squad features players from the League of Ireland First Division, Northern Irish Premier League, and elite youth academies such as St Patrick’s Athletic, Shamrock Rovers, and Bohemians.

Claire Gannon, a member of the Ashbourne Cup team, was named Sports Scholar of the Year for her exceptional leadership and commitment to Team TU Dublin, both on and off the field.

A highlight of the evening was the panel discussion “From Pitch to Policy: The Student Sport Experience”, hosted by Olympian and sports broadcaster David Gillick. The conversation offered valuable insights into the student-athlete journey and the role of student sport in shaping personal and academic success.

TU Dublin is proud to support a vibrant sporting community with 38 active student-led sports clubs. Over one in three students engage in university sport, highlighting the vital role of sport and physical activity in student life.

Speaking at the event, TU Dublin President Dr. Deirdre Lillis said:

Tonight, we honour the commitment, passion, and achievements of our student-athletes, club committee members, and volunteers. Through your leadership, volunteerism, and participation in our comprehensive sports club programme, you have helped build a vibrant, inclusive, and dynamic sporting culture at TU Dublin. You continue to represent the university with pride, ambition, and integrity—both at home and on the international stage

TU Dublin Senior Manager of Student Life, Christy O’Shea reflected on the importance of student sport beyond competition

Tonight is about recognising everything that happens behind the scenes — the hours of training, the friendships built, and the new experiences that shape the student journey. With 36 active clubs and over 5,000 members this year alone, it’s clear that sport at TU Dublin is more vibrant, inclusive, and impactful than ever. Our campuses are alive with activity, and that’s entirely down to the students who make our sport clubs what they are

The University presented awards recognising sporting performance and leadership, as well as those that contribute to the running and development of the TU Dublin Sports Clubs.

2025 Sports Award Winners

Sport Star of the Year Awards

• Alex Soroka – Rugby
• Sean Waddilove – Sailing
• Saoirse McCarthy – Camogie

Sport Club Leadership Awards

• Conor Cheetham – Soccer Club
• Daniel O'Reilly – Golf Club
• Luke Hickey – Archery Club
• Amy O'Neill – Basketball Club
• Diana Wiegolz – Badminton Club
• Ben Patterson-Harding – Sailing Club
• Scott McDonald – Mountaineering Club
• Jaimie Kavanagh – Snowsports Club

Sport Club Promotion and Engagement Award

• Mountaineering Club

Most Improved Club of the Year

• Soccer Club

Club of the Year

• Archery Club

Event of the Year Award

• Sailing – Northern Championship IUSA 2

Campus Sports Team of the Year

• Men’s Gaelic Football Team – Blanchardstown Campus

University Sports Team of the Year

• Men’s Premier Soccer Team

Sports Scholar of the Year

• Claire Gannon

Sports Coach of the Year

• Jordan Donnelly

Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award

• Conor Kennedy – Soccer
• Sara Devoy – Surf
• Nathan Bossier – Ultimate Frisbee
• Mel Ó Lorcáin – Surf
• Jorge Lasarte – Swim & Water Polo
• Jamie Clarke – Caving
• Cian Browne – Hurling
• Kerrie Finnegan – Camogie
• Louise Coen – Camogie