Boat Club Olympians Honoured by UCD

Eight former UCDBC Olympians were honoured by the college today in a special boat-naming ceremony on the 60th anniversary of the London 1948 Olympics; Six of the nine members in the Ireland VIII that year were from UCD. The club’s new Hudson VIII was unveiled as the ‘Olympian’ and honours Paddy Dooley, Barry McDonnell, Joe Hanly, Morgan McElligott, Tom Dowdall & Denis Sugrue of the ’48 crew in addition to Jaye Renehan & Martin Feeley who rowed in the Montreal ’76 Olympics. The ceremony was held in UCD and was attended by the 4 surviving UCD members of the 48 crew, Paddy Dooley, Morgan McElligott, Tom Dowdall & Denis Sugrue, Robert Tamplin (DUBC crewmember), representatives of Barry McDonnell, Joe Hanly & Paddy Harrold (Neptune RC crewmember), Jaye Renehan & a representative of Martin Feeley. Also in attendance were Their Excellencies David Reddaway & Tom Foley, UK and US Ambassadors to Ireland respectively, UCD President Dr. Hugh Brady, Vice-President for Students Dr. Martin Butler & UCD Director of Sport Brian Mullins, Frank Durkin (President IARU), Martin Corcoran (CEO IARU), Sean Drea & several past captains & presidents of the club and members of Old Collegians.