Clubs Day | Fergal Carroll
Gaming Editor Fergal Carroll previews the upcoming UCC Clubs Day
Tuesday the 25th of September sees the return of the bi-annual UCC clubs day. Taking place in Devere Hall, from 10am to 5pm, Clubs Day, is aimed at new students to UCC and current students that want to get more involved. It offers student a chance to engage with current club members and learn about what each club offers.
Clubs Day, as the name implies, is dedicated to the sixty plus clubs of UCC as set out their stalls encouraging people to sign up. The clubs range from traditional Irish sports like Gaelic football, hurling and handball to the more niche sports such as juggling and acrobalance, trampolining and ultimate frisbee. Over five thousand students actively participate in clubs each year, almost a third of the UCC’s student body.
Brian Phelan, the current president of the UCC Clubs Executive, encourages all students to get involved with clubs. Deeply involved with clubs himself, Mr. Phelan plays with the UCC soccer club and coached the ladies soccer club for three years, noted that clubs play an intricate role student life. He said that clubs offer a wide range of benefit, “[participating] keeps you fit and healthy, [acts as a] great stress relief, sport and physical activity has been proven to enhance performance in the classroom, the friends memories and trips away that you won't get anywhere else.” He also stated that “Inter varsities are a unique experience to college”.
UCC has a proud sporting history. 2011 saw the senior footballers win the Sigerson Cup. 2012 was a successful year in a handful of sporting disciples as UCC triumphed at intervarsities such as squash, ladies rugby, ultimate frisbee and trampolining among many others. UCC also boasts notable sporting alumni including names such as Declan Kidney, Luke ‘Cha’ Fitzpatrick, Ronan O’Gara, Seamus Moynihan and Donncha Ryan.
There will be a variety of clubs showcased on Tuesday and there is something for everyone’s tastes. If you want to broaden your horizons, learn new skills, make new friends or just go along for the laugh, make sure to call into Devere Hall from 10am to 5pm.
If you miss out on Clubs Day or are unable to attend, you can still join. Check www.collegeroad.ie/clubs/index or contact the UCC Clubs Executive Facebook page to find more information.