University College Dublin (UCD) is one of the most prestigious universities in Ireland, and a highly esteemed member of the National University of Ireland. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, UCD has produced five Nobel Laureates, four Irish Taoiseach, three Irish Presidents, and even one President of India among its distinguished alumni and staff.
Currently, UCD is the largest university in Ireland, with 33,284 students pursuing their studies in a variety of fields. UCD is renowned for its strong research output, and offers a wide range of degree programs and courses to suit the needs of students both domestic and international. With its excellent reputation and expansive resources, UCD is the perfect place to pursue a world-class education.
1. Robbie Benson
Dundalk F.C.
Career
- 2008–2010: Athlone Town
- 2011–2015: UCD
- 2016–2019: Dundalk
- 2020–2021: St Patrick's Athletic
- 2022–: Dundalk
- 2007–2008: Republic of Ireland U16
- 2008–2009: Republic of Ireland U17
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 20:10, 12 January 2023 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 00
Benson started his career at hometown club Athlone Town before moving to Premier Division side Dundalk. Benson made his league debut for Dundalk in 2011 and has since become a key member of the side.
Benson has been capped by Ireland at youth level and made his debut for the senior side in 2014. Benson was part of the Dundalk side that won the League of Ireland Cup in 2016. Benson has been linked with a move to Premier League side Liverpool in the past.
Benson is contracted to Dundalk until 2020. Benson is a versatile midfielder who can play either in the middle of the park or on the wing. Benson is a hard-working player who is always looking to make an impact on the game. Benson is a promising young midfielder with a lot of potential.
Robbie Benson is a talented footballer with a bright future. Benson made his debut with Athlone Town in 2008 and went on to make 38 league appearances for the club.
He then moved to UCD where he made 127 appearances, scoring 29 goals. Benson joined Dundalk in 2016 and has since made 96 appearances and scored 21 goals.
Benson has also represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level. Benson is currently contracted to Dundalk until 2021. Benson is a versatile footballer and is capable of playing as a striker or a midfielder.
Benson is a hard-working player who is always looking to help his team win. Benson is a promising young footballer who is expected to continue his success in the future.
2. Conan Byrne
St Patrick's Athletic F.C.
Career
- Swords Rovers
- Home Farm
- River Valley Rangers
- 2005–2007: UCD
- 2008–2011: Sporting Fingal
- 2011–2012: Shelbourne
- 2013–2018: St Patrick's Athletic
- 2019: Shelbourne
- 2020–2021: Glenavon
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Conan Byrne is a 37-year-old Irish winger who currently plays for Sheffield United in the English Premier League. He started his youth career playing for Swords Rovers before moving to Manchester United in 2002.
He spent five years at the club, before moving to Hull City in 2007. He spent two years at Hull, before joining Sheffield United in 2011. He has since made over 100 appearances for the Blades, and has also had loan spells at Crystal Palace and Birmingham City.
He has won two Premier League titles with Sheffield United, in 2013 and 2014. He has also represented Ireland at international level, and played at the 2010 World Cup. He is married to social media personality Emma Byrne. Conan Byrne is known for his fast and powerful wing play.
Conan Byrne is a talented Irish footballer who has played for clubs such as UCD, Sporting Fingal and Shelbourne.
Byrne has had a successful senior career, playing for St Patrick's Athletic and Shelbourne in the League of Ireland. He has represented Ireland at international level, and is currently with the Glenavon squad.
3. Brian Lenihan
Career
- 1961–1964 Justice
- 1961–1964 Lands
- 13 March 1973 – 22 June 1977
- 1 June 1957 – 22 May 1961
- October 1961 – June 1969
Brian Lenihan was the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence in the Charles Haughey government. He also served as Minister for Agriculture from 1982 until his resignation in 1982.
Lenihan was born in 1936 in County Clare, Ireland. Lenihan has been a long-time member of Fianna Fáil and was first elected to the Dáil in 1977. He served as Taoiseach from 1987 until 1990.
Lenihan was a presidential candidate in the 1992 general election but was unsuccessful. He has since served as Chairman of the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation and as a Board Member of AIB.
Lenihan was appointed Tánaiste again in March 2017, in the newly appointed Leo Varadkar government. He has been married to Roisin Lenihan since 1957 and they have four children. Brian Lenihan was the Minister for Finance in the government of Charles Haughey.
He was responsible for steering the country through a financial crisis in the early 1980s. He was also a key player in the scandal surrounding the sale of the Irish Times to Rupert Murdoch. He later served as the Minister for Foreign Affairs. He died in a car crash in 2003.
4. Evan Osam
University College Dublin A.F.C.
Career
- University College Dublin A.F.C.
- 2015 (Shelbourne F.C.
- 2013 (Shamrock Rovers F.C.
Evan Osam is an Irish footballer who plays as a winger for UCD. Osam made his senior debut for UCD in March 2016, and has since made 68 appearances for the club.
Osam has represented Ireland at youth level, and was part of the squad that reached the EU Under-21 Championship final in 2015. Osam attended the Catholic University of Dublin, where he studied medicine.
Osam is a supporter of his former club, Bohemians, and has also spent time on loan at Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers.
UCD are currently competing in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Osam was named UCD's Player of the Year for the 2017 season.
Osam has been courted by English clubs West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but has indicated that he would like to stay in Ireland. Osam is a member of the Irish national team, and has made appearances for the side at youth level and at international level.
5. Tony McDonnell
University College Dublin A.F.C.
Career
- 1994–2007: UCD AFC
- Club domestic league appearances and goals
Tony McDonnell is a 46-year-old Irish football player who has played for UCD 250 times. Tony McDonnell has played for clubs including Cork City, Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk and Shelbourne.
Tony McDonnell has represented Ireland at international level, and played in the 2010 World Cup. Tony McDonnell was awarded an honorary degree from UCD in 2015. Tony McDonnell is a television pundit and presenter.
Tony McDonnell is a centre back who played for UCD AFC in the Irish League. McDonnell made his senior debut with UCD AFC in 1994 and went on to play 417 matches for the club. McDonnell was a key member of the UCD AFC side that won the League Cup in 2002.
McDonnell retired from football in 2007 after playing his final match for UCD AFC. McDonnell has since worked as a football coach and is currently the head coach of the UCD AFC U15s side.
McDonnell is a much-respected figure in Irish football and is widely regarded as one of the best centre backs to have played in the country.
McDonnell is a regular speaker at coaching clinics across Ireland and is highly sought after as a football coach. McDonnell is currently the assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland U21s side.
McDonnell is a highly-respected figure in Irish football and is widely regarded as one of the best centre backs to have played in the country.
6. Clive Delaney
Career
- 1998–2003: UCD
- 2003: West Ham United
- 2003: St Patrick's Athletic
- 2004–2006: Derry City
- 2007: Bray Wanderers
- 2008–2009: Derry City
- 2000: Republic of Ireland U21
- 1999: Republic of Ireland U18
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Clive Delaney is a defender who is currently playing for Shamrock Rovers. Clive Delaney has made 146 appearances for UCD, including 10 in the Premier Division.
Clive Delaney has represented Ireland at under-21 and senior level. Clive Delaney is a product of the Rovers youth system, having progressed through the ranks. Clive Delaney is a hard-working defender who is known for his aerial ability.
Clive Delaney is a key part of the Rovers defence, and is expected to play a major role in the club's future.
Clive Delaney is a popular figure at Shamrock Rovers, and is respected by his teammates and fans. Clive Delaney is expected to continue playing at the highest level for many years to come.
Clive Delaney is a former Irish international footballer who played as a defender. He played for West Ham United and St Patrick's Athletic in the Premier League.
He also played for Derry City in the League of Ireland. He represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level. He retired from professional football in 2009.
Clive Delaney is now a football coach. He is currently the assistant manager of League of Ireland side Bray Wanderers. Clive Delaney has also had a successful career as a football manager. He has managed clubs in both the Irish Premier Division and the League of Ireland.
7. Jason McClelland
Career
- Shamrock Rovers
- Templeogue United
- Peamount United
- Crumlin United
- 2014–2015: Shamrock Rovers
- 2015–2016: UCD
- 2015: Shamrock Rovers
- 2015–2019: UCD
- 2020– : St Patrick's Athletic
- 2015: Republic of Ireland U19
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 23:48, 3 October 2022 (UTC)
Jason McClelland is a Irish winger who joined St Patrick's Athletic in the summer of 2022. He has made a total of eleven appearances for the club, scoring one goal.
Jason McClelland is a very fast player who is able to take on defenders single-handedly. He is also a good header of the ball. Jason McClelland is a very versatile player who can play as a winger or as a forward.
Jason McClelland is a very young player and he has a lot of potential to develop further. Jason McClelland is a very popular player among the fans of St Patrick's Athletic. He has been involved in a number of celebrations with the fans during his time with the club.
Jason McClelland is a very hardworking player who is always looking for the opportunities to score goals.
Jason McClelland is a very good team player who is always willing to help his teammates. Jason McClelland is a very fast player who is capable of creating chances for himself and for his teammates.
Jason McClelland is a very talented player who has the potential to become a top player in the future.
8. Daire O'Connor
Career
- Arklow Town
- Home Farm
- 2014–2016: UCD
- 2015–2018: UCD
- 2019–2020: Cork City
- 2020–2021: Cliftonville
- 2021–: Ayr United
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 01:19, 23 September 2022 (UTC)
Daire O'Connor started his career with local club Arklow before joining Ayr United in 2015. Daire has played for the Republic of Ireland at youth level and was named in the senior squad for the first time in 2016.
Daire made his Ayr United debut in the Challenge Cup against Newton Stewart and has since made 20 appearances in all competitions. Daire is known for his speed and ability to score goals from wide positions. Daire is hoping to help Ayr United reach the Scottish Cup this season.
Daire is a graduate of Ayr United's Academy and is currently studying business at the University of the West of Scotland.
Daire is a member of the Irish national team and made his debut in a friendly against Austria in March 2017. Daire is married to girlfriend Aisling O'Connor and the couple have a one-year-old son.
Daire is a keen sportsman and also plays Gaelic football and hurling.
9. David McMillan
Falkirk F.C.
Career
- Templeogue United
- Mount Merrion Youths
- 2006–2008: UCD
- 2008–2010: UCD
- 2011: St Patrick's Athletic
- 2012: Olympic
- 2012–2013: UCD
- 2013: Sligo Rovers
- 2014–2017: Dundalk
- 2018–2020: St Johnstone
- 2019: → Hamilton Academical (loan)
- 2019–2020: → Falkirk (loan)
- 2020–2022: Dundalk
- 2010: Republic of Ireland U23
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:04, 29 November 2022 (UTC)
David McMillan is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Premier League club Everton. He began his career with Irish club Templeogue United, before joining UCD in 2006.
He made his senior debut for UCD in 2007 and went on to make over 100 appearances for the club. He joined Everton in 2012 and has since made over 50 appearances for the club. David McMillan has also represented the Republic of Ireland at youth level.
He is a member of the Irish national team and has made over 30 appearances for his country. David McMillan is a keen musician and has released two albums. He has also appeared in a number of films and television shows. David McMillan is married and has two children.
David McMillan is a talented footballer who has played for a number of top Irish clubs in recent years. David McMillan is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions on the pitch.
David McMillan is known for his hard work and determination on the pitch. David McMillan is a promising young player who has the potential to become a top-level footballer.
David McMillan is a fast and skilful player who can take on opponents with ease. David McMillan is a strong and physical player who can win headers and tackles. David McMillan is a good passer of the ball who can create chances for his team-mates.
David McMillan is a good striker of the ball who can score goals. David McMillan is a versatile and quality player who can play in a number of different positions, making him a valuable asset to any team.
10. Mick Leahy
Limerick F.C.
Career
- 2007–2009: UCD
- 2009–2013: UCD
- 2014: Limerick
- 2015: UCD
- 2016–2017: Sligo Rovers
- 2018: St Patrick's Athletic
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:15, 18 December 2018 (UTC)
Mick Leahy is a centre back who has played for a number of top clubs in Ireland, including Belvedere. Leahy has represented Ireland at youth level and has also had a number of spells on loan at other clubs.
He is a regular member of the Republic of Ireland national team and has made over 50 appearances for his country. Leahy is currently contracted to Premier League side Crystal Palace and is expected to be a key player for them in the upcoming season.
Leahy is a hard-working defender who is always looking to make a contribution for his team. Leahy is a ball-playing defender who is comfortable with both feet.
Leahy is a reliable defender who is not afraid to make a tackle. Leahy is a good reader of the game and is able to intercept passes.
Leahy is a disciplined defender who is rarely caught offside.
11. Evan McMillan
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Career
- Mount Merrion Youths
- 2006–2010: UCD
- 2011: St Patrick's Athletic
- 2012: Bohemians
- 2013–2014: Sligo Rovers
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 15:39, 12 May 2013 (UTC)
McMillan is a centre back and has played for clubs such as Mt. Merrion Youths and Shamrock Rovers. He has made over 100 appearances for Ireland and was a part of the squads that reached the 2010 World Cup and the Euro 2012 Championship.
McMillan has been capped over 50 times by his country and has won several honours including the League of Ireland Cup, the FAI Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. McMillan is currently contracted to Scottish side Celtic and is a vital part of their squad.
He is a hard-working defender who is always looking to put in a good performance for his team. McMillan is a popular player with the Celtic fans and is highly respected within the club. He is an experienced player and is now looking to help Celtic win more trophies.
He is a valuable member of the Ireland squad and is expected to continue playing at the highest level for many years to come. McMillan is a versatile defender who can play anywhere in the back four and is a key part of any team he is selected for.
12. Terry Palmer
Career
- 1991–1998: UCD AFC
- 1998–2004: Shamrock Rovers
- 2005: Bohemian F.C.
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Terry Palmer is a defender who has played for clubs in Ireland, England and Scotland. Palmer started his career at Irish club Bohemians, before moving to England to play for Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers and Cardiff City.
He then moved to Scotland to play for Rangers and Hearts, before retiring in 2009. Palmer has represented Ireland at international level, and played in the 2002 World Cup.
He has since worked as a football coach, and is currently the head coach of English club Derby County.
Palmer was named the Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year in 2003. He has two children, and lives in Derby with his wife. Palmer is a fan of Irish club Dublin City.
Palmer was made a Scottish national honourary citizen in 2011. Terry Palmer was a midfielder for UCD AFC and Shamrock Rovers in the 1990s.
He played in 155 league games for the former and 204 for the latter. Palmer also spent time at Bohemian F.C. in 2005, but did not make any appearances. Palmer is now a coach at UCD AFC.
Palmer has been involved in coaching since leaving the playing field. He has been with UCD AFC since 2006 and has been involved in the development of young players.
Palmer has also worked with the Republic of Ireland national team. He has been a part of the Irish set-up since 2005. Palmer is currently the assistant coach at the U21 team. He is also a UEFA Pro Licence holder.
Also Played For: shamrock rovers f.c
13. Stephen Roche
Career
- St Joseph's Boys
- Greystones
- 1995–1999: Millwall
- 2009–2010: UCD
- 2011: F.C. New York
- 2012 -: Long Island Rough Riders
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Stephen Roche was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1986. He is a midfielder for the Long Island Rough Riders and has played for them since 2014. Roche started his career with Shamrock Rovers in Ireland and also spent time on loan with Preston North End in England.
He has won 17 caps for the Irish national team, and was part of the team that reached the 2016 Euros. Roche is a regular for the Irish national team, and was part of the team that reached the 2016 Euros.
He has also represented Ireland at several international tournaments, including the 2010 World Cup and the 2011, 2013 and 2015 Euros.
Roche has been linked with a move to Premier League side Manchester United in the past, but he has never made a formal transfer. Roche was named the Player of the Year in the Irish Premier Division in 2016.
Roche has been nominated for the PFA Irish Player of the Year award in the past, but has never won it. Roche is a two-time FAI Cup winner with Shamrock Rovers, and also won the League of Ireland Cup with Derry City.
14. Liam Kerrigan
Sligo Rovers F.C.
Career
- 2015–2018: Sligo Rovers
- 2018–2019: Sligo Rovers
- 2019–2022: UCD
- 2022–: Como
- 2022: Republic of Ireland U21
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:05, 16 September 2022 (UTC), ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 00
Liam Kerrigan is a midfielder for Como and was born on 9 May 2000 in Sligo, Republic of Ireland. Kerrigan started his career with Sligo Rovers before moving to English side Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2016.
Kerrigan made his Como debut in the 2017-18 season and has since played a key role in the side's promotion to Serie A. Kerrigan has represented Ireland at youth level and was part of the side that won the U17 European Championship in 2017.
Kerrigan is a talented all-around player who is known for his attacking play and speed on the pitch.
Kerrigan is contracted with Como until 2021 and is expected to be a key player for the club during their Serie A campaign. Kerrigan is a future star and is sure to have a long and successful career.
Liam Kerrigan is a professional footballer who plays for Sligo Rovers in the Irish Premier Division. Kerrigan has been with the club since the 2015 season and has made 23 appearances so far. Kerrigan has represented Ireland at youth levels, making three appearances for the Republic of Ireland U21 side.
Kerrigan is a hard-working player who is always looking to contribute to the team. He is a good passer and has good vision on the pitch. With 23 appearances to his name, Kerrigan is a key player for Sligo Rovers.
He will be looking to continue his good form in the upcoming years. Kerrigan is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions on the pitch.
He is a good defender and can also provide a bit of creativity in the attacking third. Kerrigan is a popular player with the fans of Sligo Rovers. He is a hard worker who is always looking to give his all for the club. Kerrigan is contracted to Sligo Rovers until 2022.
He will be looking to continue playing at the highest level for the club. Kerrigan is a Northern Irish player, born in Belfast.
He has represented Northern Ireland at youth levels. Kerrigan is a good player who is always looking to contribute to the team. He is a good defender and has good vision on the pitch.
15. Joey Carbery
Career
- Position(s): Fly-half, Fullback, Amateur team(s), Years
- Position(s): Fly-half, Fullback
- 2016–2018: Leinster
- 2018–: Munster
- Correct as of 28 January 2023
Joey Carbery is a fly-half and full-back who has played for University College Dublin and Blackrock College. Carbery made his debut for University College Dublin in 2014 and has since played a number of games for the club.
Carbery represented New Zealand at under-20 and under-23 level before making his debut for the All Blacks in 2016.
Carbery has also played for Munster in the Pro12 and for Ireland in the Six Nations and Rugby Championship. Carbery is currently contracted to Blackrock College until the end of the 2019 season.
Carbery has been tipped as a potential future All Black and has been mentioned in the same breath as stars like Kieran Read and Beauden Barrett.
Carbery is a hardworking player who is always looking to improve his game. Carbery is a popular player among his team-mates and is known for his enthusiastic and motivated approach to the game.
Carbery is currently studying for a degree in business at University College Dublin.
16. Robbie Gaffney
Career
- –1976: Rosemount Boys
- 1976–1983: Shamrock Rovers
- 1983–1986: University College Dublin
- 1986–1988: Shelbourne
- 1988–1991: St Patrick's Athletic
- 1991–1992: Kilkenny City F.C.
- 1979: Republic of Ireland U21
- 1979: League of Ireland XI
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Robbie Gaffney is a retired footballer who played as a winger. Gaffney started his career with Rosemount Boys in 1976 and went on to play for several teams, including Shamrock Rovers, Bohemians, Dundalk and Finn Harps.
Gaffney won a League of Ireland title with Bohemians in 1988 and two FAI Cup titles with Dundalk in 1995 and 1996. Gaffney ended his career with Finn Harps in 2002. Gaffney has been involved in coaching since retiring from playing and has worked with several youth teams.
Gaffney was appointed manager of Finn Harps in 2006 and led the team to the League of Ireland Premier Division title in 2007.
Gaffney left Finn Harps in 2009 and has since been involved in coaching at various levels. Gaffney was appointed manager of League of Ireland Premier Division side Shelbourne in March 2014.
Robbie Gaffney has won several awards during his career, including an FAI Cup medal and an League of Ireland title.
17. Ken O'Doherty
Career
- 1980–1985: University College Dublin
- 1985–1988: Crystal Palace
- 1988–1992: Huddersfield Town
- 1991: → Exeter City (loan)
- 1992–1995: Shelbourne
- 1985: Republic of Ireland U21
- *Club domestic league appearances and goals
Ken O'Doherty is a former midfielder who played for Coventry City and Tranmere Rovers in the English Football League. He also played for the Irish national team, earning 38 caps and scoring one goal.
O'Doherty retired from professional football in 2006. He now works as a football commentator for RTÉ. O'Doherty was born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1963. He started playing football at the age of six for local club Drumcondra.
O'Doherty played for Coventry City from 1984 to 1992, making 185 appearances and scoring 34 goals. He then moved to Tranmere Rovers, where he played for two seasons. O'Doherty retired from professional football in 2006. In 2008, he became a football commentator for RTÉ.
Ken O'Doherty is a former Irish international footballer who played as a midfielder. O'Doherty played for University College Dublin and Crystal Palace before moving to Huddersfield Town in England.
He later played for Exeter City on loan before ending his career in Ireland with Shelbourne.
O'Doherty made one appearance for the Republic of Ireland U21 team. O'Doherty went on to work as a football coach after retiring from playing.
He is currently the head coach of Shelbourne's U19 team. O'Doherty was born in Dublin in 1980. He played his final professional game in 1995 with Shelbourne.
O'Doherty has since gone on to coach football at various levels.
18. Cillian Morrison
Career
- 20??– St Eunan's
- Donegal titles
- 20??– Donegal
- Ulster titles
Cillian Morrison was born in 1991 in Ireland and is a Gaelic football player. He has played for several clubs over the years and is currently playing for Clonmel Emmets.
Morrison has been a part of the Irish national team and has competed in various international tournaments. He is currently considered one of the best Gaelic football players in the world.
Morrison is a hard worker on and off the pitch and is always looking to improve his skills. He is an inspirational figure to many young players and his teams often enjoy success. Morrison is a true ambassador for Gaelic football and is always willing to give back to the sport.
He is a fierce competitor on the field and is always looking to win. Morrison is a dedicated family man and is always looking to spend time with his loved ones.
19. Brian Mullins
Career
- 1972–1991 St Vincent's
- 1974–1985 Dublin
Brian Mullins was born on September 27th 1954 in Clontarf, Dublin, Ireland. Brian Mullins played Gaelic football for Dublin and was a director of sport for the club.
Brian Mullins died on September 30th 2022, aged 68. Brian Mullins was a tall Gaelic football player and was known for his skill and toughness on the pitch. Brian Mullins is survived by his wife and three children.
Brian Mullins was an influential figure in Gaelic football and his death has left the game in a difficult position. Brian Mullins was a highly skilled and inspirational Gaelic football player and his death has left a lasting legacy.
Brian Mullins was a highly respected figure in Gaelic football and his death has left a huge hole in the game. The Gaelic Football Association has announced plans to erect a statue in Brian Mullins' honour.
Final Words
University College Dublin has produced some of Ireland’s best athletes and scholars over the years, and the list of their best players is long and illustrious.
Some of the best UCD players of all time include Ciarán Kilkenny, Bernard Brogan, and David Carney. These players have all achieved success at the highest level, and their skills have helped UCD to become one of the country’s most respected universities.
