@ucdbc are at the @metregatta this weekend!
Congratulations to David O’Malley on becoming UCD Boat Club’s latest addition to the UCD Ad Astra Academy elite athlete scholarship program.
David began his rowing career in St. Michael’s RC in Limerick and has since represented Ireland at Junior World Championships, as well as picking up Silver in the Lightweight 2x at the Coupe de la Jeunesse and multiple National Championships. On top of his sporting talent, David obtained an excellent Leaving Cert result and is currently studying Medicine at UCD.
The Ad Astra Academy has had a strong lightweight rowing contingent in recent years, including current scholar Paul O’Donovan (LM1x Bronze Medal at 2013 U23 World Championships) and 2014 graduate Niall Kenny (LM4x Silver Medal at 2010 U23 World Championships).
Congratulations also to Orla Finnegan of UCD Ladies Boat Club who joins the Academy this year having represented Ireland at the 2014 World University Games.
Previous rowing graduates of the Academy include seasoned internationals Sean Jacob and Claire Lambe.
About the Academy
The Academy was set up in 2011 and has 3 main families (sport, academic and performing arts). It is made up of an ever growing number of exceptional students. Since its inception there have been over 500 scholarships awarded, with roughly a third of these for elite athletes. These athletes are provided with an incredible platform which aims to help them reach their sporting potential and achieve at the highest level of their respective sporting discipline. They receive top-class support for their training and sporting endeavors but also academic mentoring and are exposed to a number of networking opportunities.
The Ad Astra program in 2015 has received scholars from Ireland, Nothern Ireland, Britain, Italy, Germany and the USA. Combined with UCD’s Ad Astra program, UCD Boat Club can provide talented oarsmen from all around the world with unparalleled support to reach their sporting and academic potential.
For more information on the Ad Astra Academy, see the video below or visit the Elite Athlete information page.
Again, a huge congratulations to David on this great achievement and we wish him all the best in his sporting and academic pursuits at UCD.