13,000 athletes will come together in Kazan, Russia for the 2013 World University Games, to compete in 351 medal events across 27 sports and with less than a month remaining until the opening ceremony, Student Sport Ireland (SSI) is pleased to confirm the team representing Ireland in the sporting capital of Russia.

Russian Ambassador Mr. Maxim Peshkov, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport, Michael Ring TD and John Treacy CEO, Irish Sports Council were in attendance to meet the athletes as well as give encouragement in their medal quests. Ambassador Peshkov opened the ceremony by welcoming the athletes and expressed his delight at the opportunities that the Games bring to Ireland. “With over 180 countries participating in 27 sports, attending the Games in Kazan, this is a chance for the athletes to be ambassadors for Ireland in Russia,” said Ambassador Peshkov. “Russia will be a place they can win together, learn about each other and better understand others, as well as experience the Russian culture.”

Minister of State Michael Ring echoed the Russian Ambassador as he expressed the honour of representing Ireland. “I know that each athlete will compete with immense pride and enjoy the competition, the unique experience and honour of representing their country and their university. We want to wish these athletes the very best of luck and hope they will be returning with medals in hand,” said Minister Ring.

John Treacy CEO, Irish Sports Council – wished the athletes and officials well in their pursuit of excellence & success, while adding “the Irish Sport Council is delighted to be in a position to support this Irish team and knows that the team can rely on the best available support personnel. We know the life-changing power of sport and fully support the Games ideals of fair play, solidarity and friendship. I have no doubt that the Irish team will strongly uphold these ideals as it endeavours to bring honour and glory to themselves and our country”.

Chef de Mission for Team Ireland, Cathy Gallagher (reappointed following her successful role in the 2011 Games in Shenzhen, China) stated “Team Ireland will compete in 6 of the 27 sports in Kazan and comprises the creme-de-la-creme of our student athletes at third level. We welcome on board again Athletics, Gymnastics & Swimming; the return of Men’s & Women’s Football and the inclusion of Rowing & Shooting to the delegation for the first time. Other than participating at the ultimate sporting occasion that is the Olympic Games, students will not have a similar opportunity to experience the cultural, interpersonal, camaraderie and lifetime synergies which are an integral part of the Games. We will respect and uphold the reputation of Ireland as a valued member of the FISU family and enshrine the achievements and memories of Kazan 2013 for the student sport benefit”.

Student Sport Ireland (SSI) Chairman, Kieran Dowd closed the ceremony by giving a special thanks to all those involved as the Irish Delegation and competitors are set to depart for Russia from 30^th June.

Ireland begins its medal quest on the 5^th July with Women’s Football taking on China while the men face Russia in the first of their group matches. The following day will open the Rowing with Amy Bulman & Monika Duskarska, while Rohan Sebastian in Artistic Gymnastics will start on 7^th July, with Athletics, Shooting and Swimming events in the days to follow.

Full schedules are now available from the official Universiade 2013 Kazan website. A complete listing of the team Ireland athletes is below.

Artistic Gymnastics

Rohan Sebastian (University of Michigan)

 

Athletics

Amy Foster (University of Ulster Jordanstown) 100m and 200m

Brian Gregan (Dublin City University) 400m

Ciara Everard (University College Dublin) 800m

Jessie Barr (University of West England) 400m Hurdles

Laura Reynolds (Dublin City University) 20k Walk

Claire Tarplee  (Loughborough University) 1500m

Michelle Finn (Western Kentucky University) 3000m SC

Niamh Whelan (University of Limerick) 200m

Tomás Cotter (Wichita State University) 3000m SC

 

Football Men

 James Scallan (IT Carlow)

Dylan Mernagh (Waterford IT)

Jonathon Addis (University of Ulster Jordanstown)

Jamie Carr (IT Carlow)

Thomas King (Galway/ Mayo IT)

Raymond Foy (IT Carlow)

Barry O’Mahony (IT Carlow)

Craig Sexton (IT Carlow)

Joshua O’Shea (University College Cork)

Tristan Dent (University College Dublin)

Paul Malone (Dublin IT)

Carl Forsyth (Sallynogin College)

Stephen Traynor (Rathmines College)

Brian Nolan (Waterford IT)

Andrew Mulligan (IT Carlow)

Reece McEnteer (O’Fiaich College)

Correy Davidson (Pearse College)

Cillian Morrison (University College Dublin)

  

Football Women

 Julie-Ann Russell (University of Limerick)

Lauren Murphy (University College Cork)

Shaunagh Jackson (Athlone IT)

Ciara Grant (University College Dublin)

Dora Gorman (University College Dublin)

Zoe Murphy (University College Cork)

Emma Hansberry (IT Sligo)

Geraldine McLaughlin (IT Sligo)

Roisin McCafferty (IT Sligo)

Siobhan Killeen (University College Dublin)

Jetta Berrill (University College Dublin)

Deirdre Doherty (IT Sligo)

Eve Badana (Drexel University)

Seana Cooke (Dublin IT)

Sophie Perry (University of Brighton)

Jessica Gleeson (Waterford IT)

Karen Duggan (University of Limerick)

Catherine Cronin (University College Dublin)

Sara Lawlor (NUI Maynooth)

 

Rowing

Amy Bulman (University College Dublin) LW1x

Monika Dukarska (IT Tralee) W1x
Shooting (Air Rifle)

Aisling Miller (Trinity College Dublin) 10m Air Rifle

 

Swimming

Andrew Meegan (University of Limerick) 1500m & 400m Freestyle

Christopher Bryan (University of Limerick) 10km Open Water

Fiona Doyle (University of Calgary) 100m & 200m Breaststroke; 50m & 100m Freestyle & 200m Medley