From 21 to 28 June, the best under-24 Ultimate Frisbee players from across the globe gathered in Logroño, Spain, for the World Flying Disc Federation’s U24 World Championships. Four Trinity students and one Trinity alumni represented Ireland in the U24 Mixed Team, in which the teams consist of 24 players split evenly in terms of gender-matching.
Four Trinity students - Finn Alexander (20M, shown right catching the frisbee over the Australian defender in a photo by Arvydas Šileikis.), Petra Marcokova (22F), Henry Olenich (20M), Daire McNulty (22M) - and Trinity alumni Caoimhe Cunningham took part in the week-long event alongside 1250 players from representing fifty teams from 25 different countries, competing across three divisions Open, Women’s and Mixed. The Trinity students and alumni received travel support from a Trinity Trust grant funded by the Alumni credit card to attend the event.
Henry Olenich played a key role on the team’s defensive line, consistently delivering strong performances and scoring 3 goals throughout the tournament.
Daire McNulty, one of the team captains, described the experience as “a privilege to represent Ireland at such a high-level tournament and to test ourselves against the world,” and went on to say, “I’m very proud of our squad - it was an excellent experience.” Daire also was second on the team in total scoring contributions with 25 combined goals and assists.
Petra Marcokova (28) during the end of the game and spirit circle with the Polish Mixed Team. Credit: Arvydas Šileikis.
Finn Alexander and Petra Marcokova (shown above), who will serve as Trinity’s Open and Women’s captains respectively for the 2024–25 season, also featured prominently, totalling 2 goals and 6 assists between them. Petra reflected on the tournament as “an amazing week full of competitive games,” adding that she was “so grateful to be part of such a supportive team and to finish 9th in the world.” Finally, Alumni and Assistant Coach Caoimhe Cunningham delivered valuable experience and leadership to the team, allowing them to deliver a top 10 national placement by the end of the tournament.
Hugh Dolan (15) elevates for the defensive play against the Spanish Opens Team. Credit: Arvydas Šileikis.
Hugh Dolan (shown above) also represented Ireland as a member of the U24’s Opens Team describing the tournament as “an unbelievable experience - such a high level of the sport”. The Opens was also under the tutelage of current Trinity Opens Coach James Doherty.
Both Irish teams improved on their initial seedings in the tournament. The Mixed Team climbed from 16th seed to finish 9th overall, placing them in the top 10 in the world. This jump was secured through impressive, yet close wins against Poland, the Netherlands, and Australia in the competitive 9–16 bracket, placing them ahead of the GB Mixed Team. The Open Team started as the 14th seed and finished at 13th place, achieving victories over the talented Hong Kong and Singapore on the way to this position.
Both teams also placed Top 3 in the Spirit of the Game; a measure of fair play, respect, and sportsmanship in the games. Spirit scores are based on criteria such as body contact, positive attitude, self-control, rules knowledge and usage, fair-mindedness, and communication, voted on by opposing teams.
Irish Mixed Team team photo. Credit: Arvydas Šileikis.