Trinity Sport in partnership with Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) and Rugby Players Ireland, hosted an inclusive sport event on Wednesday, 12th April at Trinity Business School and Trinity Sport Centre. The event featured a coaching session led by Joe McCarthy, an Ireland, and Leinster rugby player, and his brother Paddy McCarthy, Ireland U-20’s rugby player for TCPID first- and second-year students.

The event showcased the impact of inclusion in sport and promoted diversity within the sporting community at Trinity College Dublin. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and greet Joe McCarthy, his brother Paddy McCarthy, an Ireland U-20 player and Kathryn Dane, an Irish Senior rugby player, and representatives from Rugby Players Ireland.

Matthew Dossett, Deputy Director of Sport, and Physical Activity at Trinity College Dublin commented, “We were thrilled to partner with TCPID and Rugby Players Ireland to host this inclusive coaching session with Trinity student athletes Joe and Paddy McCarthy. At Trinity, we believe in promoting diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all members of our community, and this event was a great opportunity to showcase the impact of inclusion in sports.”

“Our current strategy for sport and physical activity is dedicated to ensuring that sport is at the heart of the Trinity experience. We want to create an environment that is supportive, suitable, and inclusive so that everyone can engage in sport whether they are competing competitively, playing socially, developing skills, or for health and wellbeing.”

Joe McCarthy, Trinity Global Business student and Ireland and Leinster Rugby player said, “It was an honour to be involved in this event, thank you to Trinity Sport, TCPID and Rugby Players Ireland for organising it. Sports has the power to bring people together and to create a sense of community, I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to participate and enjoy sports regardless of their background or ability.”

The success of this event highlights the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in sport, and we look forward to hosting more events like this at Trinity College Dublin. Thank you to Trinity Business School, Rugby Players Ireland, Trinity Centre for People with Intellectual Disabilities (TCPID) and the dedicated staff at Trinity Sport for organising this event.