University of Limerick has achieved a historic and unprecedented clean sweep in Higher Education GAA hurling championships, winning all five major championship titles in a single season for the first time ever.
The landmark achievement is a testament to UL GAA’s strength in hurling and the depth of talent nurtured and developed at the University.
The road to history began on 15 February, when UL’s senior hurlers reclaimed the Fitzgibbon Cup with a commanding 0-23 to 1-15 victory over DCU.
This momentum carried through as UL’s Fresher 1 team overcame UCC 1-19 to 0-18 on 27 February, followed by a dramatic win for the Fresher 2 squad, who edged out UCC 1-19 to 1-18 on 3 March.
The campaign of success continued when UL’s Intermediate Hurlers secured the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship on March 5th, defeating University of Galway 1-18 to 0-17.
Just a day later, UL’s inaugural Fresher 3 team completed the clean sweep, triumphing over ATU Galway 1-17 to 0-14 securing their place in history.
To mark this historic achievement, the five captains who led their teams to victory gathered with the five trophies in UL.
Representing UL’s excellence across all levels were Fitzgibbon Cup captain and Limerick senior hurler Colin Coughlan, Intermediate captain Sam Williams, Fresher 1 Captain and Tipperary senior hurling team’s current top scorer Darragh McCarthy, Fresher 2 captain and Limerick U20 hurler Michael Leo, and Fresher 3 captain John Fry, from Westmeath.
Their leadership on and off the pitch has been instrumental in UL’s remarkable season.
Reflecting on this achievement, UL GAA Development Officer, Jason Coffey, praised the commitment and dedication of the entire UL GAA community.
"Winning all five major Higher Education hurling championships in a single season is a phenomenal achievement and a testament to the incredible talent, dedication, and spirit within UL GAA. It’s not just about the trophies, it’s about the work these players put in every day, the culture of excellence they uphold, and the lasting legacy they are creating for future teams.
“This success belongs to everyone involved, players, coaches, backroom staff, and the wider UL GAA community who have contributed to making this historic moment possible,” Jason added.
Colin Coughlan, a fourth-year student in PE with Maths who captained UL to its ninth Fitzgibbon Cup title, reflected on what this achievement means for the teams involved.
“When you come to college, you focus on furthering your education and making friends. Sport is a huge part of that, and being in a college that thrives in sport makes it even more special. To win a Fitzgibbon Cup as part of this historic clean sweep is something you could only dream of being part of.”
On playing alongside future intercounty rivals, he added: “It’s funny because you might have perceptions of players before you meet them - maybe you've only seen them on TV playing for their county. But once you’re on the same team here in UL, you get to know them as people, and that changes everything. It’s incredible to play with top-class players, become friends, and then meet them again as opponents at the highest level.”
UL’s reputation as a powerhouse in GAA continues to grow, further evidenced by the University’s senior camogie championships and the successful defence of their Ashbourne Cup title.
As celebrations continue, this historic season will serve as an enduring inspiration for future UL teams and a defining chapter in the university’s sporting legacy.
UL has long been a breeding ground for top inter-county talent, with many former sports scholars going on to claim All-Star awards and All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final medals. Household names such as Gearóid Hegarty, Mark Rodgers, John McGrath, Killian Sampson, Johnny Glynn, Kieran Joyce, Sean Twomey, Tom Morrissey and Tony Kelly have all donned the UL jersey before making their mark at the highest level.
Their success is a testament to UL’s role in shaping the future stars of hurling, and this season’s achievements adds to the University’s rich sporting legacy.
Acting President Professor Shane Kilcommins said: “Sport at UL is about much more than trophies, it’s about character, resilience, and the friendships forged along the way.
“As a university, we take great pride in fostering an environment where sporting talent is nurtured alongside academic ambition. The success of these teams reflects that balance and the strong support network in place for our students.”