Matt Connor
Ferrybank athlete Thomas Barr leads the Irish challenge in the city known locally as the “City of Hope and Light” and if UL student and Irish 400m hurdles record holder continues his hugely impressive form of the early part of the season a podium place is a distinct possibility. Athletics begins on July 8th.
The women’s football team is first into action on July 2nd when Ireland face Chinese Taipei in the first group game. Waterford is represented on the Irish team by WIT student Jessica Gleeson, who will be making her second appearance at the World University Games, fellow WIT student Ciara Rossiter from Wexford while Aisling Frawley is a late call-up to the squad following an injury withdrawal.
There’s also a strong Waterford presence on the men’s football team which begin their quest for glory on July 2nd when they take on Uruguay in their first group game. Waterford United goalkeeper and WIT student Matthew Conor, who started his career with Tramore and was capped for Ireland Youths last season is one of two keepers in the squad. Waterford United centre-back and UL student Dylan Mernagh from Wexford will be hop;ing for plenty game time while fellow UL student and Waterford United Captain Brian Nolan makes his second appearance at the World University Games having been part of the Irish team in Kazan, Russia two years ago.
Kilmeaden swimmer Shauna O’Brien competes in both the 50m and 100m butterfly when the swimming competition gets under way on July 5th. Training has been going well for the fourth year UCD student who hopes to at least make the final in her events.
In all over 9,000 athletes will compete at the 28th World University Games in 300 medal events across 21 sports.
