Queen’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, hosted a special recognition ceremony at the University to celebrate the outstanding sporting achievements of the illustrious Armagh All Ireland winning Gaelic Football team, as well as Olympic athletes who recently were involved and competed with Team Ireland and Team GB at the games in Paris. 

Compêred by BBC News Correspondent, Mark Simpson, this unique event is the first of its kind, celebrating sporting achievements at both the Olympics and All Ireland Football Championship. 

Earlier this year, Armagh successfully retained the famous Sam Maguire trophy for only the second time in their history. The winning squad was bolstered by 18 alumni, across players and management. 

And no fewer than 12 students and alumni, took to the French capital to represent Team Ireland and Team GB at this year’s Olympic games in rowing, track cycling, field hockey, rugby sevens, and athletics. 

Marking the first ever event celebrating sporting achievements at both the Olympics and All Ireland Football Championship, Professor Sir Ian Greer hailed the hard work and dedication of Queen’s students and alumni. He said: “We are immensely proud of the achievements of our alumni, student athletes and coaches. 

“To compete at elite level sport takes untold sacrifice and determination over many years. The dedication our athletes and coaches have demonstrated is a shining light and prime example to all of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. 

“We at Queen’s will continue to provide the best possible environment for our student athletes to thrive in both the sporting arena and with their studies.” 

As part of the celebrations, Olympic bronze medallist Philip Doyle and Armagh GAA manager Kieran McGeeney were also presented with Queen’s University Chancellor’s Medal Awards for their incredible dedication to their profession and mastering of their craft. 

The Queen’s University Chancellor’s Medal Awards were created to celebrate achievement in civic leadership in all its aspects. These Awards were inaugurated during Agreement 25, the conference which marked the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.  

Olympic bronze medallist Philip Doyle said: “When I found rowing in my second year at Queen’s, it was amazing to have Mick Desmond and the coaching teams at Queen’s Rowing to help me on my path to academic and sporting performance.  

Compêre, BBC News Correspondent, Mark Simpson is pictured alongside (left to right) Olympian's Philip Doyle (Team Ireland) and Rebecca Edwards (Team GB) and Armagh GAA Manager, Kieran McGeeney

"Being recognised by the University is a great Honour, after 6 years as a student, it is always a privilege to represent the University at any level. Hopefully, I can continue to champion Queen’s in both the medical and sporting fields over the next few decades.”  

Armagh Senior Football Manager, Kieran McGeeney is a former Sigerson Cup winner with Queen’s GAA club. Senator George Mitchell (the then Chancellor) also presented Kieran with the university’s Graduate of the Year in 2003 to recognise his role as Captain of the 2002 All Ireland winning team. 

He said: “I have some fantastic memories during my time at Queen’s, particularly on the football field, enjoying success with the GAA club. 

“To be recognised this evening, not only in the company of some of my players and coaching staff, but alongside elite level Olympic Athletes is extra special.” 

Many of the alumni, students and coaches recognised on the evening benefitted from the universities’ Elite Athlete Programme. This provides a pathway for students to compete in their sport at the very highest level, while still managing their studies.  

For more info on the Elite Athlete Programme please visit the Elite Athlete Programme page. 

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