University charts remarkable link to Donegal's All Ireland team
'This is a truly extraordinary story of connection, support and long-standing partnership,' said Dr Orla Flynn, President of ATU. 'A massive number of past and current ATU students will line out for Donegal this Sunday at the All-Ireland final.'
ATU and Donegal GAA have worked in close partnership for many years, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that also extends to Sligo GAA. The collaboration focuses on athlete development, education, and welfare — and Sunday's sporting occasion is proof of its impact.
'The majority of the players and backroom team have come through our Letterkenny campus, and a number have strong links to our Sligo campus as well,' Dr Flynn added
Among the many influential figures connected to ATU, few stand taller than Michael Murphy — the former All Star and iconic captain who famously led Donegal to their last All-Ireland title in 2012. Murphy retired from inter-county football in 2022, drawing a close to a glittering career that left an indelible mark on the game. However, in a dramatic return to the panel in November 2024, Murphy re-joined the Donegal setup, bringing with him invaluable leadership, experience.
Now serving as Head of Sport at ATU Donegal, Murphy bridges the gap between education and sport in a unique way. His dual role reflects the university's ambition to provide a home for emerging athletes, combining academic achievement with elite sporting development. His return to the Donegal setup this season has been seen as a symbolic and strategic moment in Donegal's resurgence.
Other standout names among the panel include Ryan McHugh, Jamie Brennan, Peadar Mogan, Caolan Ward, Eoghan Bán Gallagher, and Michael Langan — all of whom studied at ATU. Rising stars such as Luke McGlynn, Odhran Doherty, and Cian McMenamin are current students balancing lectures with championship pressure.
In the backroom and coaching setup, ATU's influence is just as evident. Figures like Luke Barrett, Colm McFadden, Neil McGee, Tommy Devine, and Antoin McFadden — all of whom are past or present students or staff — are helping steer Donegal's preparation and performance from the sidelines.
As Donegal eyes a third Sam Maguire, the county jersey will be worn with pride by a team deeply intertwined with ATU.
ATU's sporting pride isn't just focused on football this weekend — there's also huge excitement building in Galway, where the senior camogie team are set to take on Tipperary in the All-Ireland Senior Championship Semi-Final this Saturday, July 26th. Current ATU students Shannon Corcoran and Ava Lynskey, and former students Sarah Healy and Ann Marie Starr are representing the Tribeswomen this weekend. ATU is also represented on the coaching side, with Adrian Pilkington and Ewan Cunningham both serving as strength and conditioning coaches.
Dr Flynn added, 'When you see the scale of this, it shows how our commitment to sport and education is helping shape elite performance and leadership in Gaelic games across the region. We wish the Donegal team the very best of luck this Sunday and also the Galway camogie team on Saturday.'
FULL LIST OF PLAYERS:
Donegal GAA Team - Past & Current ATU Donegal Students (15 in total)
Michael Murphy – Head of Sport
Oisin Caulfield – current student
Luke McGlynn – current student
Odhran Doherty – current student
Cian McMenamin – current student
Eoghan McGettigan – former student
Charlie McGuinness – former student
Conor O' Donnell – former student
Michael Langan – former student
Caolan Ward – former student
Peadar Mogan – former student
Jason McGee – former student
Ciaran Thompson – former student
Jack Gallagher – former student
Keelan McGroddy – former student
ATU Sligo (some overlap with the list above as some students below started in Sligo, and finished in Letterkenny)
Ryan McHugh,
Eoghan Ban Gallagher,
Michael Langan (above),
Ciaran Thompson (above),
Eoghan McHugh,
Jamie Brennan,
Management Team Neil McGee
Support Team Members who studied (study) at ATU Donegal (11)
Cormac McColgan – current student
Conal McDermott – current student
Tommy Devine – current staff
Antoin McFadden – current staff
Ruairi Crealey – current staff
Luke Barrett – current GAA coach
Colm McFadden – former student
Neil McGee – former student
Donall Barrett – former student
Niall Diver – former student
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