Around the Grounds at UCC

The start of a new college year breathes life once again into the competitive animal that is UCC and its clubs are out to build on previous successes. The first few weeks of the year bring a lot of trials and trainings, but for those clubs that have already kicked off their seasons, let’s round-up the highlights from UCC students and clubs so far.SoccerUCC’s senior team got themselves over the line in their first-round fixture in the FAI Intermediate Cup, winning on penalties 5-4 against College Corinthians. The sides couldn’t be split during normal time with the game ending 1-1. UCC’s goal came through Simon Falvey after College Corinthians took the early lead. Victory in their opening fixture is sure to spur the team on for a successful campaign this season.RugbyIn a highly anticipated battle of the Cork teams, Cork Con just edged out a spirited UCC team in an intriguing affair in Temple Hill in the Munster Senior Cup quarter-final. Cork Con were quick out of the blocks and held a commanding 21-5 lead at half-time. But UCC flexed their muscles and fought back in the second-half, eventually just running out of gas as Cork Con held on to win 27-26. A tough loss but a great showing by the newly promoted UCC team who pushed their Division 1A rivals to the wire.GAAUCC claimed victory in their Senior Hurling Championship bout against Sarsfields, as the game came right down to the wire, with UCC the victors 0-20 to 1-14. UCC had plenty of “star-power” type players at their disposal; such as All-Star and Young Player of the Year nominees Darragh Fitzgibbon and Mark Coleman. Redemption for last year’s defeat may have spurred the UCC team on as they lost a quarter-final replay to Sarsfields this time last year by just a single point. UCC face Imokilly in the semi-final in Pairc Uí Chaoimh.GolfUCC will be holding their inaugural Student-Am Golf Classic which will take place at Cork Golf Club on the 15th of October. The competition consists of a 4-person team, entry is €300 per team with a meal included and the opportunity to take on top amateur golfer and fitness coach, Peter O’Keefe in a nearest the pin competition. All funds raised will be going to UCC Golf Club to help towards getting better practice facilities and more coaching for their members. If you wish to get in contact with the Golf Club for a tee time email them at golf@uccclubs.ie. RowingUCC and Cork in particular had major success at this year’s World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria. UCC’s newest recruit; Paul O’Donovan powered his way to the gold medal alongside his brother, Gary. UCC students Aifric Keogh and Emily Hegarty finished in 6th place in their World Rowing Championship A final. Another successful UCC student at the Championships was Ronan Byrne, who finished in 9th place with his team-mate Philip Doyle. Cork’s own Sanita Puspure also won gold in her women’s single sculls final.