Sonia O'Sullivan, students and local community take centre stage as the UCC Athletics track reopens

Irish athletics legend Sonia O'Sullivan was on hand to do the honours herself as University College Cork officially reopened the iconic Athletics Track at the historic Mardyke Sports Grounds, marking a proud new chapter for athletics, student sport and community participation at UCC.

The occasion was made particularly special by the attendance of Sonia O’Sullivan, one of Ireland’s most celebrated athletes, accompanied by her daughter and rising athletics star, Sophie O’Sullivan.

Their presence brought together the proud history and exciting future of athletics at the Mardyke.

The Mardyke Sports Grounds have long held an integral place in the sporting life of Cork. 

Generations of students, athletes, clubs and members of the wider community have trained, competed and celebrated sporting achievement at this unique city-centre venue. 

The reopening of the track honours that proud tradition while ensuring that the Mardyke continues to support sport and physical activity for future generations.

The newly installed Mondo1 athletics track represents a significant investment in student sport at UCC. The project was made possible through the financial support of UCC students, whose ongoing contributions enabled the development to proceed.

The President of UCC, Professor John O’Halloran, said he was very proud of the new development.

"The launch of the upgraded and improved track here at the Mardyke reflects the shared commitment of UCC and our students to creating opportunities for everyone to be active, ambitious and connected. 

"We are deeply grateful to our students, whose contribution and support made this redevelopment possible. 

"Their investment has created a facility that will benefit the entire university community, supporting participation, wellbeing and sporting excellence while also providing opportunities for local athletes and young people of all backgrounds and abilities to engage in sport for years to come."

The delivery of the project was supported by UCC’s Building and Estates team, working in partnership with UCC Sport and the wider project team to bring the new track from planning through to completion.

The reopened facility will support student participation, UCC Athletics Club activity, teaching, training, performance sport and wider community engagement for many years to come.

The President of UCC Students’ Union, Eleanor McCahill, said it was fantastic to have the track back open again.

“As Student Union President, I am delighted to see such a wonderful facility open for the students of UCC. 

"This track will play a vital role in both the mental and physical wellbeing as well as the enjoyment of athletes, students and visitors. 

"The track is a part of a bigger project that will provide excellent facilities for years to come and I am very excited to see what the future holds and to see the success of these facilities. 

"I hope that everyone enjoys the day and has the opportunity to try out the track soon.” 

Students and local schoolchildren were placed firmly at the centre of the reopening celebrations. 

Following the formal ceremony, children from local schools took part in a lively and inclusive athletics festival supported by Cork Sports Partnership.

The children had the opportunity to run, jump, throw and enjoy a range of athletics activities on the new track. 

The festival also included inclusive activities, ensuring that children of different abilities could participate and share in the occasion.

Physical Education students from UCC’s School of Education helped to design and deliver the festival. 

Their involvement gave UCC students the opportunity to apply their learning in a practical setting while inspiring the next generation to become active and enjoy athletics.

The energy brought to the Mardyke by the schoolchildren, UCC students, athletes, volunteers and sporting partners captured the spirit of the day and vision for the future. 

It was a celebration of a student-funded facility, brought to life through student leadership and shared with the wider Cork community.

UCC and UCC Sport acknowledge the financial support of UCC students and the contribution of UCC Students’ Union, UCC Building & Estates, UCC School of Education, Mardyke Arena UCC, Cork Sports Partnership, UCC Athletics Club and everyone involved in delivering the track project, reopening ceremony and athletics festival.