Trinity's women athletes shone this weekend as five alumni were named in Ireland’s Women’s Rugby World Cup squad and students Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour claimed bronze at the U23 49erFX Sailing World Championship in Copenhagen. Trinity students and alumni also competed strongly in the Ireland Women vs. Pakistan T20I cricket series at Clontarf as well as the Ulster National Inter-Provincial Championships 2025.
Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 squad announcement
Ireland’s 32-strong squad for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 has been finalised, with five Trinity alumni - Linda Djougang, Méabh Deely, Fiona Tuite, Stacey Flood, and Aoibhean Reilly - selected for the squad which will be captained by Edel McMahon and Sam Monaghan. Head Coach Scott Bemand highlighted that the team has been preparing intensely since June to foster the ‘Green Wave’ spirit.
Former Trinity Sportsperson of the Year, Linda Djougang brings unmatched experience to the side as the most capped player with 48 caps alongside fellow Trinity alumni and recent Leinster Rugby Player of the Year recipient. Méabh Deely, a Geoscience graduate from Trinity, continues her run as a fullback with 14 points across 14 caps. Although Trinity alumni Deirbhile Nic a Bháird was named among the 37-player warm-up squad, she ultimately missed selection for the final World Cup squad.
Trinity student sailors win bronze at U23 49erFX World Championship
Trinity students Erin McIlwaine and Ellen Barbour delivered a stellar performance at the U23 49erFX World Championship in Copenhagen, capturing bronze. They climbed from fourth to third on the final day despite challenging conditions including shifting winds, rain and lulls. The pair showcased remarkable consistency and resilience. Their summer campaign has been equally impressive, building on their 5th-place U23 finish (14th overall) in Gdynia earlier this season.
Ireland Women vs. Pakistan T20I cricket series at Clontarf
The Ireland Women’s team triumphed 2–1 in their three-match T20I series against Pakistan on 6-10 August 2025 with Trinity alumni Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell being integral members of the team.
In the first match on 6 August, Ireland scored a close win by 11 runs, posting 142 and defending it with standout performances from former Trinity Sportsperson of the Year Leah Paul (28), Amy Hunter (37), and Orla Prendergast (29). Key wickets came from Prendergast, Jane Maguire, and Ava Canning. In the second match on 8 August, a polished chase from the Irish women saw them reach 171/6, winning by four wickets. Rebecca Stokell earned Player of the Match honours. In the third and final match on 10 August, Pakistan responded strongly in the decider, securing the match and denying the Irish women a clean sweep of the series.
Ulster National Inter-Provincial Championships 2025
Three Trinity students Sarah Hawkshaw, Cliona Walsh and Eve Callaghan were selected to represent their provinces at the Ulster National Inter-Provincial Championships on 8 and 9 August in Belfast. All three players faced stiff competition with Eve Callaghan (Ulster) losing both of her single matches; Cliona Walsh (Connacht) losing both of her single matches as well as her doubles match with Sarah Hawkshaw (Connacht) although Sarah Hackshaw won one of her singles match.