UCC pays tribute after death of former head of sport

The death has been announced of former University College Cork (UCC) head of sport Kieran Dowd.

Mr Dowd became the inaugural head of sport in UCC when he took up the position in September 1972.

A spokesperson for UCC Sport said Mr Dowd fought for many years to improve sports facilities, particularly indoor facilities.

“The Mardyke Arena, the indoor sports facilities will be Kieran’s lasting legacy in UCC,” the spokesperson said.

“His dream became a reality when the Mardyke Arena opened its doors in 2001, three years before he retired in 2004.”

The UCC Sports Star Awards and the Sports Scholarship Scheme were both set up by Mr Dowd, and they continue to be an integral element of student sport in UCC to this day.

Mr Dowd was also on hand to coach several sports clubs in UCC during the early years of his career at the college, winning Sigerson Cups and Collingwood Cups during his time.

In addition to developing UCC Sport, Mr Dowd was also highly active in the development of third-level soccer, holding several key positions on the Irish Universities Football Union (IUFU) and also coaching the IUFU men’s soccer team. He also oversaw the first Irish student delegation to the World Student Games in 1987.

Despite his busy schedule, Mr Dowd also made time to be an active member of the Cork City Sports committee.