UCD Sports Round-up: Olympic Handball Club begin season with spirited showing against Astra alumni

The UCD Olympic Handball Club began preparationsfor the new season with a spirited showing Astra this weekend – with bothfemale and male sides putting in credible performances.

The UCD men’s side fought well against Astra, with thescore locked at 13-13 at the half-time break.

However, despite the men’s side turning in one of theirbest performances in a few years, they were eventually seen off by a score of25-21 by the full-time whistle.

Next week sees the men’s side take on the highly-ratedDublin City Handball side at DCU having impressed on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, the club’s female side were defeated byAstra Wings, with the scoreline ending 38-15 to the hosts – despite someencouraging performances from the Belfield side.

Meanwhile, the MountaineeringClub have just returned from their Freshers Trip to the Mourne Mountains.

A 23km hike saw the club reachseven peaks in the Mournes, with many climbing for the first time after 561members joined forces with the club at the start of term.

Up next for the MountaineeringClub is the Fresher’s Bouldering Competition on Thursday 17th ofOctober, with many social events upcoming. Keep an eye on their social media channelsfor more information.

In addition, UCD’s Fencing Club tookpart in South of Ireland Open on the 21st-22nd Septemberin Cork.

They received four medals, withAndrea Petrignani earning a gold medal in the men’s foil. Phoebe Ireland secureda bronze medal in the Women’s Saber with both Tom O’Brien and Noah Scott also earninga bronze medal in the Men’s Épée.

The trampoline club also begantheir new campaign with a strong turnout at their first training session of theyear.

Club founder Andrew Cahill made an appearance at the session. The club also held their first in-house competition of the season on September 28th for returning members.

Monies were raised in aid of Rainbow Railroad, a charity dedicated to helping the LGBTQ+ community in nations where they are persecuted.