"Keelan Kilrehill and Jamie Battle delivered the performances of their lives at yesterday’s Spar European Cross-Country Championships at the National Sports Campus in Abbottstown, Dublin.Both men lined up in the U23 Men’s race with high hopes of claiming a team medal, however in the build up few would have predicted that the colour of that medal would have been gold. The team were led home by Darragh McElhinney (UCD AC) who finished in a superb second place but focus from a DCU perspective was firmly on the action behind him.Kilrehill started the race modestly enough but was never too far out of the leaders’ sights. With two laps to go he began to move further up the field and was well positioned alongside Irish teammate Michael Power (West Waterford AC) with a lap to go. He continued to push on and looked strong all the way to line. Roared on by the 8,000-10,000 Irish spectators, Kilrehill finished a remarkable 6th. To top the performance off it marks an incredible comeback by the Sligo final year EPL student. In 2015 following a serious bicycle accident, Kilrehill was left confined to a wheelchair, having suffered a broken back and fractured neck. At the time doctors told him that he may never run again. Just six years on, he produced an inspirational performance yesterday.Speaking to Athletics Ireland after Kilrehill said; “I came in thinking that top 15 would be realistic and unbelievable at the same time, but I had myself in the top 15 or top 20 for the whole race and it was all about staying relaxed, staying patient and when lads start coming back to you, such big names and you’re passing them out and feeling so good, it’s some feeling.”“I got into that last lap, and I had a realistic chance of a medal, why not go for it, so Id going for it on the last lap, unfortunately I didn’t get up there, but I can’t complain, 6th place, I didn’t expect that”, he said.Jamie Battle also had an excellent run. Despite having only been called up to the team as a late addition during the week he was well prepared. Battle crossed the line in 44th, the fifth Irish athlete to finish.Another athlete who returns to DCU with silverware is Cathal O’Reilly. O’Reilly was also a late addition to the team and was called up to the Irish U20 team during the week to replace the injured Cian McPhilips. O’Reilly finished in a strong 77th in the 6000m race and won a silver medal as his teammates led home by Abdel Laadjel also had excellent runs.Andrew Coscoran ran the final leg for the Irish Mixed 4x1500m relay team. Coscoran had a strong run but missed out on a medal by the finest of margins finishing in the same time as the bronze medal winning Belgium team, but ultimately just behind. Despite not medalling yesterday, Coscoran has had a superb year the highlight of which was qualifying for an Olympic semi-final.In the U23 Women’s race DCU were represented by Aoife O’Cuill and Jodie McCann. O’Cuill was the 3rd Irish athlete to cross the line, in 32nd position, while McCann finished in 49th. Both athletes can be proud to have achieved yet another Irish singlet at a major.Five DCU Alumni were also in action. In the U23 Women’s race Lauren Tinkler finished in 46th.Three former students were in action in the Senior Men’s race. Brian Fay became only the 6th Irishman to achieve a top ten finish at the European Cross-Country Championships, finishing in 10th. Last year’s DCU Athletics Men’s Captain, Cormac Dalton, came 28th, with Emmett Jennings finishing 44th. Fay and Dalton were scorers on the Irish team who finished 4th, just missing out on a medal.Fionnuala McCormack competed in her 17th European Cross-Country Championships, a week after running the second fastest marathon by an Irish woman in history in Valencia. It was another exceptional performance by McCormack who crossed the line in 9th, leading the Irish women’s team home.DCU Head Endurance Coach, Joe Ryan, managed the Irish U20 team that featured the aforementioned Cathal O’Reilly to silver and is also coach to European champion Jamie Battle.As mentioned, yesterday was a remarkable day for DCU Athletics that will fondly be remembered by athletes, coaches, families, friends, and supporters for many years to come.Photo: Darragh McElhinney, Michael Power, Donal Devane, Jamie Battle (DCU) and Keelan Kilrehill (DCU) celebrate winning gold in the Men's U23 team competition. Credit: Kyran O’Brien (DCU Comms and Marketing Photographer)  "

"What a day! Both Men's and Women's volleyball teams achieved a ground-shattering 3:0 victory over IT Carlow and advanced to the Semi-Finals!The 30th of November was truly a day to remember. Loud cheers and the noise of the balls landing filled the gym in IT Carlow. It was a day full of emotions, comradery and euphoria. Our boys and girls have demonstrated an enormous level of determination through their game.Many must wonder what is the secret that allowed both DCU teams to rob the bank that day."Before every volleyball match, we remind ourselves that the game consists of 50% morale and 50% technique."      ~Roman U.In their games against IT Carlow, DCU showed unwavering morale. Like an immovable wall, they came together to defeat their opponents. It was a sight that inspired and lit up hearts. As a team, everyone gave their all, producing an amazing outcome and promoting the name of DCU on the national arena. The period of preparation for the matches was very short and yet, the DCU Volleyball club bonded and quickly grew together to compete on the level of the Students League. The women's captain Lilyann shared her thoughts on this: "Winning the quarter-finals is one thing but watching our teams become a family is almost more rewarding."~ Lilyann H.The women's team fought with undeniable spirit, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. The highlights of the match were definitely the surprise back row attacks by Nadja, the outside hitter. No matter what, the team did not let the ball drop to the floor unless it was the opponents' court! When asked about the match day, the men's captain Sonny replied:"I am more than proud of my team. They performed perfectly with each other and although the match began with a bit of a rocky start, we stayed strong both physically and mentally and came out on top. Our victory is truly a testament to the amount of trust we have in each other, a trust that could only be gained through hard work and training together. There's no better feeling than seeing our hard work pay off and I can't wait to see the fruits of our labour in the further rounds of the league."~ Sonny YB.That evening, it was possible to feel the tension in the gym. The air was charged with burning desire to go home victorious. Despite the pressure, the men's team did not crumble. They held each other up when facing the opponents from IT Carlow. The matches were a treat to spectators visiting. One supporter said this:"It's very enjoyable to watch the DCU volleyball teams steadily improving with each game. During Tuesday's match, I've seen every player shine. Everyone's passion for volleyball and hard-work were clear on court. I'm sure the growth won't stop any time soon!"~ Krzysztof B.What are the thoughts of players about the evening?"Felt great and exhilarated, and the food was okay."~ Miguel F."My main thought about yesterday was that it felt great to focus and get real game time in a position I enjoy and even though I was kind of nervous and not warmed up at the start the whole team was incredibly supportive and got me to play better volleyball."~ Gary R.Now that the DCU Volleyball Club is through to the semi-final of the Student Sport Ireland Volleyball League, what awaits them?More training and preparation for matches goes without saying. As other college teams are still battling for their way into semi-finals, the fixtures are yet to be released.Keep a close eye on the DCU teams' Instagram for more upcoming news! If you want to watch the recordings of the games, they are there too.@ dcu_volleyball"Practice with Purpose, Play with Passion""

"Hi all,There is no badminton training on from Wed 24th November until semester 2. We should be back training on Jan 10th. :)See you all in the new year!"

"BOOKING LINK Hit this link to book the ski trip you will be directed to the nuco Website and will have to paty then."

"?Extended Training Times and Capacity:?Hi all,From this week on, our capacity and training times have expanded! Our slots are now 1 hour long each and we can have more people in at each slot!Tuesday training is from 5-8pm and Thursday training is from 5-10pm, both in the minor hall!We have also reduced the number of beginner induction sessions. Great news for those of you who already had the induction. If you missed your chance for an induction and can't make the Thursday one, be sure to pop along to any of the other training sessions and let us know on sign in that you need an induction :)"

"Our Connected Study Groups are running  on zoom every week on different days (and times) to help our members find time to study in their busy schedules. This semester we’ll be using the Pomodoro method followed by some time for chatting and getting to know new people. Have a look at the list below to find one that suits you! "

"IUAA Road Relays are the first Intervarsity championship of the 2021-22 season. We're looking to enter strong teams in both Men's and Women's races. See below for full format of the event and timetable of races. Date:  Saturday 13th November 2021Venue:  South Campus, National University of Ireland - Maynooth.Parking:  There is NO Parking on the South Campus. Clamping is in operation. Parking is available on the North CampusOverview:  This is a one day Intervarsity Championship open to all members. The event is hosted by NUI-Maynooth Athletics Club in mid to late November every year. The trophies are presented at the post competition meal which is usually held in the Phoenix Restaurant, North Campus or Pugin Hall, South Campus. The women compete in a four leg relay over 1-2-2-1 miles, while the men compete in a five leg relay over 1-2-3-2-1 miles. Each college can enter multiple teams. The race is held in the old part of the campus and the course is on tree lined avenues surrounded by old buildings.TimetableWomen's Race:  12.45pm.   1-2-2-1 mile relay.Men's Race:  1.45pm.   1-2-3-2-1 mile relay.Captain's Meeting:  3.15pm.   Venue: TBC.Presentation:  3.30pm.   The presentation of medals and the trophiesTransport DCU Athletics will be supplying a bus departing from the DCU Nursing Building (Collin's Avenue Entraance @ 10:30am on Saturday 13th) This bus is free of charge to all members travlling. Meal Food will be provided to all athletes who compete back on DCU Campus (time TBC) as there is no meal this year in Maynooth. Singlets/Crop TopsClub singlets must be worn at this event. These are available from the track office (LG10B McNulty Building) or by emailing paul.byrne@dcu.ie"

"DCU Athletics is delighted to partner with Joma Sport who come on board as the clubs technical apparel sponsor. The sponsorship will see a brand new range of DCU Athletics clothing including a new updated and eye-catching bespoke DCU singlet/crop top. The partnership is also in conjunction with JF Sports who will host a DCU Athletics Club Shop where the new kit can be purchased. The range includes technical running t-shirts and shorts as well as casual hoodies, shorts and jackets. We look forward to working with Joma and JF Sport into the future and seeing all DCU Athletes competing at IUAA Intervarsity events and events outside of this wearing the new kit on campus, nationally and internationally. DCU Athletics Club Shop: https://www.jfsports.ie/product-category/club-shop/dcu-athletics/  (Please note some items can take up to 14days for delivery). NOTE: New athletics club singlets/crop tops can only be purchased from the track office (LG10B McNulty Building Glasnevin Campus) and are not available online. These cost €35 each and must be worn when competing for DCU. "

"Back row (left to right) : Mick, Kieran, Dáire, Chandler, Wojtek, AdamThe chicks on front (left to right) : Jess, Amy, Maeve, Cíara, Aoife, Sarah "

"Welll kidddddssThanks so much for everyone who came to our EGM!!!This was our first EGM on campus since the oul pancetta so we were delighted to see everyone again!We heard some great stories to keep us going for another year and want to say a massive congrats to Adam Tighe on becoming our first year rep!! We must get his auntie to join the club... Keep you eyes peeled on our socials for news on our first surf trip since 2020, it's shore to be a great one ;PThat's all for now Surf n' Sailors, Stay safe ;)Jess "

"DCUPL Week 7WhatsApp groupchatHey everyone, after a request from a few members, we've set up a WhatsApp groupchat where all present members can join via this link this will make it easier for us to arrange things like St. Clare's training, for people to see who are attending the training, and general things like that. Things like big announcements regarding competitions and things like that will still be done on an email basis!Last chance 2021Speaking of announcements regarding competitions, last chance 2021 has been announced! It will be taking place the 18th of December in ABS Powerlifting in Finglas. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 11am, the link for which can be found on the IrishPF Discussion Group on Facebook. If anyone is interested in competing, we would all highly recommend taking this chance to do so! You will need an IrishPF membership for 2021 in order to compete at it, so if you are without one and want to compete, make sure to purchase one first!Even if you don't feel like competing, be sure to pop up to it. It's a great time to experience your first powerlifting comp as a spectator, and a few familiar faces(such as my own) will be competing at it too!In the meanwhile, stay strong folks, and we'll see you in the WhatsApp!Cormac"

"Ready to kickstart the society back into gear! The agenda includes things like:Committee elections! (PRO, Safety Officer, 1st Year Rep, Ordinary member)Potential trips this year! Getting a equipment order together and talking about what gear everyone wants! Circus Arts Hoodies?!?!? The logo getting a makeover! (MAYBE, if we have GDO)Come along to the first (REAL) meeting of the year and we'll get thing started!"

"DCUPL Week 6Junior & Master Nationals 2021 RecapHopefully a few people caught the livestream from the weekend or had seen some people's recap posts because WOW! What an incredible standard of lifting that was put on display. Overall, past and present DCUPL had FIVE podiums throughout the weekend! Here is a recap of everyone's totals:Present DCUPL:Rían McKeever: 582.5kg @ 72.4kg, earning him 3rd place in the 74kg classAbdullah Al-Sehaim: 595 @ 80kg bodyweight in the 83kg classJonathan Butler: 565kg total at 80.4kg bodyweight, also in the 83kg classRecent Graduate DCUPL:Sean Blong: 666 total at 82.4kg, including a 246kg national junior record in the 83kg class, as well as a 3rd place podium spot.Tom Lynch: 647.5kg total at 91.8kg bodyweight, earning him first place in the 93kg class.Jordan Voss: 605 total at 102.8, earning him third place in the 105kg class.Mark Stell: 780 at 109.6kg bodyweight, this got Mark a commanding first place in the 120kg class.Congratulations to all those who lifted over the weekend, it was a fantastic time for all those involved!Update for St. Clare's sessionsAs our St. Clare's sessions were double booked with DCU weightlifting, they have been moved to Tuesdays from 2-4 now on, starting tomorrow. I understand this is short notice, and, for that, I do apologise. The form for this week can be found here(hopefully the last time we'll have to put a cap on the amount of attendees). Due to the short notice, I will operate the form completion on a first come, first served basis for the 12 attendees up until 10pm tonight, or when we reach 12, at which point I will email those who have been selected. Get filling out the form quick!Anonymous question/request formWe have decided to implement an anonymous form where you can submit any questions or requests you have on the weekly emails for us to answer in a small "Q&A" section at the end of each email. The form can be found hereIn the meanwhile, stay strong folks, and I'll see some of you guys tomorrowCormac"

"It's great to see everyone playing with cards after being online the past year. Feel free pop down for a game or two every Thursday from 3-5pm."

"DCUPL Week 5First of all, we would like to extend a special thank you to those who were at the St. Clare's session on Friday. A lot of people expressed interest in the session, and it's a shame we could only have a select few at it, but we are very grateful to those who attended! Hopefully we will all be able to attend them with no restrictions soon. To those who would like to attend this week's session, please fill out this form!This year's EGMOur EGM will take place this Wednesday, the 20th of October, in CG05 from 5-6! As the room has a max capacity of 55, we will be trying to do a mix of in-person and over Zoom for those who would prefer either. To register your interest for attending in person, please do so here. We will also be nominating our first year rep at the EGM so if that would interest you, please give it a think and create a little sales pitch!The program for anyone without oneIf you are part of DCUPL and do not have a program to run, we have decided to use  5/3/1 for beginners as the program. There is a recorded video on the "introduction" tab for how to run the program and use the spreadsheet, but if there are any questions you have that the video didn't answer, please email or message the Instagram, and we'll get an answer to you ASAP! If you feel like this version of 5/3/1 is also too easy, message us and we'll direct you towards a variation of it that might prove a better fit.Junior & Master Nationals 2021Junior and Master nationals 2021 is taking place this upcoming weekend, the 23rd and 24th, in Limerick! There are multiple current and recently graduated DCUPL members competing, so we thought to give everyone a heads-up to keep an eye out for them if you're watching the stream(which we will send out closer to the date)!For our current members competing, we have:Rían McKeever, who will be in Flight F, Sunday Morning from 10:30am-2pm.Jonathan Butler, who will be in Flight E, Sunday morning from 10:30am-2pmAbdullah Al-Sehaim, also Flight E, Sunday morning from 10:30am-2pmFor recent graduates, we have:Jordan Voss, who is in Flight C, Saturday afternoon 2:30-6pmTom Lynch, competing in Flight D, Saturday afternoon 2:30-6pmSean Blong, Flight E, Sunday morning, 10:30am-2pmMark Stell, Flight A, Saturday morning 10:30am-2pmPlease wish the best of luck for the guys competing and jump onto the livestream to show some support when it's up! That's it for another week of getting stronger with DCUPL, the next email will be coming Monday the 25th as opposed to next Sunday the 24th. In the meanwhile, stay strong folksCormac"

"Join us on Tuesday for our volunteer bonding night!Come along and meet your fellow volunteers, learn more about HeadstARTs & maybe even join our committee! See you all @ 6pm in E303 St.Pats Campus! Please send us a message if you have any questions or need help finding the room!"