Posted 11 March 2026
On Friday, 6 March, University College Dublin celebrated the exceptional achievements of its students at the President’s Awards Ceremony 2025/26, recognising individuals whose contributions have significantly enriched the academic, cultural and civic life of the university community. The awards honoured students who demonstrate outstanding leadership, scholarship and service, reflecting UCD’s enduring commitment to excellence and engagement both within and beyond the classroom.
This year’s recipients represent a diverse cross-section of disciplines across the university, each distinguished by their dedication to their studies and their meaningful impact on campus. Their achievements highlight the depth of talent within the UCD community and embody the university’s ethos of developing students who lead with purpose, creativity and integrity.
Awardees from UCD sports clubs included Evelyn Donnelly, Kirsten Dowd and Muirdach (“Dach”) Murray.
Evelyn Donnelly – Ag Science – Animal Science (Stage 4)
As Women’s Rugby Captain and a leader in Ag-Animal Sciences, Evelyn drove student engagement through industry-linked initiatives. Her work significantly expanded the School’s external network and fostered a high-participation culture in campus sport, bridging the gap between academic and extracurricular excellence.
Kirsten Dowd – PhD Physics (Stage 4)
Kirsten’s doctoral journey is defined by impactful research and dedicated mentorship within the Physics community, fostering both scholarly progress and collegial support. This leadership extends to the Fencing Club, where her extensive coaching and volunteerism have been vital to student development and club success.
Muirdach (Dach) Murray – Diagnostic Radiography – Graduate Entry (Stage 2)
As Captain of the UCD Boat Club, Dach guided his crew with determination and discipline while progressing through a demanding healthcare programme. His sporting leadership and academic perseverance exemplify balance and resilience.
Congratulations to all the winners on their outstanding achievements and contributions to UCD.
Full list of winners
- Aimee McMahon – BSc Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences (Stage 2)
- Alice Murphy – BComm International (Stage 4)
- Anna Reynolds – BCL Law with Politics (Stage 2)
- Cillian Doyle – BA History and Politics (Stage 4)
- Cormac Delaney – BEd in Education with Gaeilge & Modern Languages (Stage 3)
- Eimear Freeley – Medicine (UEM) (Stage 4)
- Evelyn Donnelly – Ag Science – Animal Science (Stage 4)
- June Polgolla – BSc Biochemistry (Stage 4)
- Kirsten Dowd – PhD Physics (Stage 4)
- Lara Gallagher – Bachelor of Architecture (Stage 3)
- Martin McMahon – PhD History (Stage 3)
- Muirdach (Dach) Murray – Diagnostic Radiography – Graduate Entry (Stage 2)
- Niamh McKnight – Law with Social Justice (Alumnus UG)
- Olivia Armstrong – BSc Nursing (Children’s & General) (Stage 4)
- Róisín O'Neill – Science (Stage 4)
- Ryan Rafferty – Actuarial & Financial Studies (Alumnus UG)
- Tom Carolan – BSc Social Sciences – Economics (Stage 4)
- Valerie (Lera) O’Connor – BSc International – Psychology (Stage 3)
- Yang Fei – BSc Social Sciences – Economics, Mathematics & Statistics (Stage 4)
Contact UCD Sport
Room 202 Sports Office, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. E: sport@ucd.ie | Location Map(opens in a new window)Please note: The pool, gym and facility bookings are not managed by UCD Sport.