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Coventry University’s Gaelic Football team make history with stunning cup victory
Coventry University women's Gaelic Football team celebrate their win at the AIG Lagan Cup International in Dublin - image courtesy of Sportsfile
University news / Student news
Friday 20 March 2026
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Coventry University’s women’s Gaelic Football team has made history by winning the first-ever international university title in Ireland.
Captain Erin Ferguson, a final‑year Dietetics student from County Mayo, said lifting the AIG Lagan Cup International in Dublin was unforgettable.
The team defeated DCU Dóchas Éireann, a sports club associated with Queen’s University, Dublin, 2‑16 to 0‑08.
To put Coventry University’s name on the very first international cup is incredible. We’ve trained in every type of weather since September and the girls’ commitment has been unreal. Gaelic Football is more than a sport for us – it’s been our community and our home away from home.
Erin Ferguson, captain of Coventry University women's Gaelic Football team
Final‑year Occupational Therapy student Leah Conway scored 1‑7 to earn Player of the Match.
Many of the players, including Leah, joined Coventry through the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) pathway, which allows healthcare students to complete two years at ATU in Letterkenny before finishing their degree in Coventry.
I was delighted to pick up the Player of the Match award but was most proud of the team as everyone worked so hard and every player deserved an award for their individual performances. Gaelic Football is a team sport and each girl rallied together to drive us to the finish line and our management were so supportive and encouraging to each player which really drove us on.
Leah Conway (pictured below - image courtesy of Sportsfile)
The squad is made up entirely of Irish students, many from the ATU collaboration or Coventry University’s sports scholarship programme, and they train twice a week at Finham Park rugby pitch.
Erin, who is a sports scholar, said playing the final in Dublin provided an extra boost and hopes the win will help grow the sport in England.
Playing in Ireland meant our families could finally watch us. Back home, Gaelic Football is huge but many people in England have never seen it. Winning a competition like this will hopefully help put the sport on the map here.
Erin Ferguson
Coach Karen McLoughlin, a physiotherapist at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust and former Coventry University student and sport scholar herself, said the team’s unity has been crucial, despite early‑season challenges such as a spell without a dedicated goalkeeper.
It’s unbelievable - an absolute dream for the girls and for our management team. The players set incredibly high standards and their bond off the pitch shows on it.
Karen McLoughlin, coach of Coventry University women's Gaelic Football team
The team now prepares for Saturday’s All‑Britain Championships, at pairc na heireann, Hampton in Arden, Solihull, where they aim for a remarkable third consecutive UK university title.
Winning the international title has given us huge momentum going into the All‑Britain Championships. We know every team will be coming for us but we’re ready for the challenge and want to make it three‑in‑a‑row for Coventry.
Erin Ferguson
Karen is encouraging more students to get involved in the sport.
I’d encourage anyone to give Gaelic Football a go - even beginners. The team is so welcoming and supportive. It gives you confidence, a community and a place to belong.
Karen McLoughlin
Find out more about sports scholarships at Coventry University.
