Coventry University Women’s Gaelic Football team makes history
The squad wins the first-ever international university title in Ireland and aims for a third consecutive UK championship
Coventry University’s women’s Gaelic Football team has made history by winning the first-ever international university title in Ireland.
The squad lifted the AIG Lagan Cup International in Dublin after a commanding 2‑16 to 0‑08 victory over DCU Dóchas Éireann, a sports club linked to Queen’s University, Dublin.
Captain Erin Ferguson, a final-year Dietetics student from County Mayo, said: “Lifting the AIG Lagan Cup International in Dublin was unforgettable.
"To put Coventry University’s name on the very first international cup is incredible. Gaelic Football is more than a sport for us, it’s been our community and our home away from home.
“Playing in Ireland meant our families could finally watch us. Back home, Gaelic Football is huge, but many people in England have never seen it.
"Winning a competition like this will hopefully help put the sport on the map here.”
Final-year Occupational Therapy student Leah Conway scored 1‑7 in the final, earning Player of the Match. She added: “I was delighted to pick up the Player of the Match award, but I’m most proud of the team.
"Every player worked so hard and deserved recognition. Gaelic Football is a team sport, and each girl rallied together to drive us to the finish line.”
The squad is made up entirely of Irish students, many from the ATU pathway or Coventry University’s sports scholarship programme, and they train twice a week at Finham Park rugby pitch.
Coach Karen McLoughlin, a physiotherapist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and former Coventry University sports scholar, said: “It’s unbelievable – an absolute dream for the girls and our management team.
"The players set incredibly high standards and their bond off the pitch shows on it.”
The team now turns its attention to the All‑Britain Championships at Pairc na hÉireann in Hampton in Arden, Solihull, where they aim for a third consecutive UK university title.
Ferguson added: “Winning the international title has given us huge momentum going into the All‑Britain Championships. Every team will be coming for us, but we’re ready for the challenge and want to make it three‑in‑a‑row for Coventry.”
McLoughlin wants more students to get involved in Gaelic Football, saying: “I’d encourage anyone to give Gaelic Football a go, even beginners. It gives you confidence, a community and a place to belong.”