2024 was an exceptional year of sports for UCD, with an impressive display of talent across various disciplines. The college was very proud to see four current students represent Ireland at the Paris Olympics, joined by a record number of 26 alumni competing at the Games. UCD’s presence extended to the Paralympics, with four alumni showcasing their talent on the world stage.
Several teams achieved success throughout the year, including UCD Sailing, which won the 2024 Intervarsity Championship, and the Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team, which also secured an Intervarsity title. UCD Rowing triumphed in its annual colours match against Trinity.
UCD Marian Basketball won the National League, Division 1, earning a long-awaited return to the Super League. The UCD Cricket team claimed the Trevor West Trophy for the first time since 1991, while UCD American Football celebrated a historic victory in the National Shamrock Bowl.
Narrowing down the incredible individual achievements of UCD students in 2024 is no easy task, but I’ve taken on the challenge. So here is The College Tribune’s official (yet unofficial) standout sportspeople of the year!
Eve McMahon (Sailing)
UCD Sailing star Eve McMahon made history in 2024 as Ireland’s youngest-ever Olympic sailor. Representing Ireland at the Olympic Games, she finished 13th in the regatta and secured 8th place in the women’s dinghy event.
In March, the International Commerce student retained her U21 World Champion title in Portugal, and in July, she was named Irish Sailor of the Month. McMahon was named UCD Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 and is a proud UCD Ad Astra Sports Scholar. Capping off a sensational year of achievements, McMahon was also a finalist for the prestigious Rolex World Sailor of the Year Award.
Nicola Tuthill (Athletics)
UCD Ad Astra scholar and third-year Science student Nicola Tuthill delivered a groundbreaking performance in 2024, competing in the hammer throw at the Paris Olympics. She narrowly missed out on a bronze medal.
Her achievements cemented her place in history as the third Irish female thrower to become an Olympian. In May, Tuthill became the second Irish woman to throw over 70 meters, breaking her national U23 record for the third time. Her outstanding year was recognised at the 2024 National Athletics Awards, where she was named Field Athlete of the Year.
Mikey Raggett (UCD AFC)
Mikey Raggett had an impressive year with UCD AFC, finishing the 2024 season as the team’s top goal scorer. Competing in the League of Ireland First Division, Raggett found the net seven times across 37 appearances, playing a crucial role in UCD’s campaign, which culminated in a hard-fought playoff loss to Bray Wanderers.
Emily Lane (Rugby Sevens)
Irish Rugby Sevens player Emily Lane had a remarkable year on and off the pitch. While pursuing a master’s degree in Project Management at the UCD Smurfit Business School, Lane represented Ireland at the Paris Olympics as a key member of the Rugby Sevens team.
As the fourth most-capped player on the squad, Lane played an instrumental role in their historic season, which included winning Ireland’s first-ever SVNS Series Cup in Perth in January 2024.
Cormac Egan (GAA)
Cormac Egan, a standout talent with UCD GAA, continued to make headlines in 2024, earning the GAA.ie Player of the Week accolade in April. The final-year Economics and Finance student and UCD Ad Astra sports scholar is a key figure for both Tullamore and Offaly football, first rising to national prominence when Offaly won the All-Ireland U-20 Football Championship in 2021.
Emma Fleming (Golf)
Emma Fleming, a rising star in Irish golf, followed her scratch cup dominance with a strong season in 2024. In February, she made an impressive tournament debut at the Student Tour Series in Portugal, claiming victory and becoming only the second Irish female winner in the competition’s history.
Fleming has already carried her momentum into 2025, kicking off the year with a strong 6th-place finish at the South American Amateur Championship in Chile.
As the curtain falls on an extraordinary year of sports at UCD, it’s clear that the college’s athletes have excelled and inspired. From the global stage of the Paris Olympics to historic national victories and individual brilliance, 2024 showcased the depth of talent and determination that define UCD’s sporting community.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication of UCD’s students and alumni, whose passion and resilience continue to raise the bar. Here’s to the unforgettable moments of 2024 and an even brighter future for UCD sports in the years to come!
Róisín Lambe – Sports Editor
