Three cheers for Kilkenny camogie's Ashbourne Cup champs!

There were three cheers for Kilkenny camogie as a trio of county stars were feted for their onfield achievements at college level.

Rachel Brennan (Tullaroan), Sinead Farrell (St Lachtain’s) and Caoimhe Keher-Murtagh (The Rower-Inistioge) were part of the University of Limerick camogie team who made history by securing their second consecutive Ashbourne Cup title with a 3-10 to 2-11 win over UCC at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Mayo at the weekend. Goalkeeper Farrell picked up her second Ashbourne Cup title while Keher-Murtagh was on the scoresheet, grabbing a point in the win.

To mark the achievement, Acting UL President Professor Shane Kilcommins welcomed the team to a special reception at Plassey House, where he congratulated the players, coaches, and management on their success.

He commended their unwavering dedication to both their sport and their academic pursuits, highlighting how their achievements contribute to the University’s strong sporting culture.

“Sport plays a fundamental role in life at UL, and our camogie team has once again shown the determination, skill, and resilience that make them such outstanding ambassadors for this university, and we are incredibly proud of them,” he said. “Achievements like this will stand the test of time, and in years to come, when you look back as UL alumni, you’ll take great pride in knowing you were part of something truly special.

“With this latest achievement, the team has once again demonstrated the strength of university sport, highlighting the talent, commitment, and team spirit that define the university’s sporting legacy,” he added.

The victory was particularly historic for third-year medicine student and sports scholar Caoimhe Lyons, who became the only player in UL history to win six Ashbourne Cup medals.

The UL Ashbourne Cup team celebrate their success

“I feel an immense sense of pride to have been part of six successful Ashbourne Cup teams,” she said. “At the start of my time at UL, I could never have imagined winning six titles, but each team I’ve played with has been full of incredible players, and I feel privileged to have shared this journey with them. This achievement also strengthens my role as an ambassador for UL Sport, which I am very proud of.”

Caoimhe also encouraged future UL camogie players to embrace the experience, highlighting the strong team culture at the University.

“There is a special energy within the UL camogie teams, and the friendships you make here last a lifetime. UL GAA is an elite setup where male and female athletes are treated equally, and I’d encourage any prospective female students looking to play at a high level to get involved. Work hard, enjoy it, and embrace every opportunity—you won’t regret it!”

The reception was attended by the full UL camogie squad, along with the coaching staff, management, and team sponsors, Kirby, all of whom played a vital role in securing the title. The win further cements UL’s reputation as a powerhouse in GAA, with UL’s GAA club boasting 26 teams across hurling, camogie, and football under the guidance of GAA Development Officer Jason Coffey.

The University’s long-standing tradition of producing top-tier athletes continues, with alumni that includes David Clifford, Eimear McGrath, Mark Rodgers, Louise Galvin, Seán Powter, Anna Geary, Gearóid Hegarty, among many others. Former Kilkenny hurler Martin Comerford, a six-time senior All-Ireland winner with the Cats, is a member of the UL Sports Hall of Fame.