Introduction

Image
Let's Play DCU Sport Icon

Performance Sport at DCU

At DCU, we are proud to support the next generation of performance athletes, from rising stars to international champions and Olympians. Our Performance Sports programmes are designed to help talented student-athletes excel in both their sporting and academic pursuits, ensuring they achieve their full potential. Through our tailored supports, athletes receive high-quality sporting, academic and professional development, and the chance to compete at national intervarsity and, European and World University Games levels, all while building a strong foundation for success.

 

High-performing athletes can apply for two programmes:

  • CAO Points Concession Scheme: Reduced CAO points to 1st year of an undergraduate academic programme.
  • Sports Scholarships: Providing athletes with enhanced support, resources, and recognition to excel both on and off the field.

Explore Performance Sport

Image
Support icon

Initiatives

Image
DCU Sport Play Your Part

A DCU sports scholarship can help you achieve your athletic and academic goals, while remaining flexible enough to support your evolving needs. Benefits may include:

Focus Sports

As part of the DCU Sport and Physical Activity Strategy, the university has identified four focus sports: Athletics, Gaelic Games, Rugby, and Soccer. These focus sports receive additional resources to support high-performance programmes and achieve competitive success. DCU Sport works in partnership with student clubs and National Governing Bodies of Sport in these sports to nurture talent and offer initiatives and pathways from participation to competitive and high-performance levels.

The selection of focus sports is based on DCU's track record of excellence, outstanding high-performance facilities, expert support, and alignment with the university’s strategic vision. DCU Sport also actively supports the growth of other sports, offering pathways to help them develop and potentially achieve focus sport designation in the future.

Athletics athletes posing on track
Athletics

DCU has a strong track record of success in Athletics and is one of the best and most successful university athletics programmes in Ireland, catering for student-athletes across all event groups. The DCU Athletics programme is supported by a DCU Head of Athletics and top-class coaches in sprints, relays, cross country, throws (javelin, discus, shot put, hammer) and jumps (long jump/triple jump). DCU athletes have access to world-class athletics training facilities across our campuses.  Our athletics facilities include Ireland’s national athletics stadium, Morton Stadium.  The DCU Sports Ground facilities include a 5-lane 80m tartan track, long/triple jump pit, throws net, high jump area and cross country route.  The Glasnevin Campus offers a fully covered 3-lane track.

DCU has an impressive list of alumni in athletics including 5 time Olympian Fionnuala McCormack, Race Walker Laura Reynolds, and Para-Olympian Greta Streimikyte.

Gaelic Games group photo
Gaelic Games

DCU Dóchas Éireann GAA club has enjoyed huge success in recent years, and is one of the most welcoming sports communities on campus. DCU has established itself as a powerhouse for Gaelic Games, boasting one of Ireland’s most successful university programmes across all five codes. The club is supported by a dedicated Head of Gaelic Games (Paul O'Brien), DCU GAA Games Development Officer (Dave Sweeney) and Education and Gaelic Games Development Officer (Louise Byrne). They are further supported by a team of expert coaches and performance supports.  DCU Dóchas Éireann teams consistently achieve success in prestigious competitions, including the Sigerson, Fitzgibbon, Ashbourne and O’Connor Cups.

As part of our performance sports programmes and team support, our student-athletes enjoy access to top-tier facilities, including high-quality 4G astro pitches at the DCU Sports Grounds and St Patrick’s Campus, alongside advanced performance support services. The Gaelic Games programme at DCU also focuses on developing leadership and teamwork skills, making it a central part of the university’s sporting culture.

 

Contact us @ paulobrien.gaa@dcu.ie

Female rugby player posing with a rugby ball
Rugby

DCU Rugby is a dynamic and growing programme that caters to both competitive and recreational players. The university’s men’s and women’s teams compete at the top collegiate levels, consistently showcasing strong performances in Student Sport Ireland and Irish Universities Football Union university leagues and championships.

The programme is supported by a full-time Rugby Development Officer Andy Wood and professional coaching and strength and conditioning staff, with players benefiting from access to premium training facilities and resources. DCU Rugby maintains close partnerships with Leinster Rugby and the Women’s National Talent Squad (WNTS) and other provincial teams, providing pathways for talented players to develop their skills and pursue professional opportunities.

DCU Rugby’s commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusion has made it a key part of the university’s sporting landscape

Male and female soccer players posing
Soccer

DCU Soccer stands out as a leading programme in university football, offering opportunities for both men and women to compete at the highest levels while also promoting recreational play. The university teams regularly excel in collegiate competitions, supported by experienced coaches and a strong performance framework. Soccer in DCU is supported and developed by a full-time Football Development Officer and Head Coach, Fran Butler.

Players have access to exceptional facilities, including high-quality pitches and tailored training programmes designed to enhance performance and personal development. Partnerships with the FAI and local clubs further enrich the DCU Soccer experience, offering pathways for students aspiring to play professionally.

DCU Soccer’s alumni network includes players who have progressed to professional leagues and international competitions, including Amber Barret and Niamh Farrelly, highlighting the programme’s success in nurturing talent.