QMU’s Gaelic football programme aiming to build student community

Queen Margaret University is hoping its growing reputation for Gaelic football can create a “home away from home” for students from across the UK and Ireland.

The 2025/26 academic year has been another successful season for QMU Ladies Football Club, with the club growing to more than 70 members and securing its fifth consecutive Scottish Championship League title. The team also celebrated winning the British Championship Shield in Birmingham in 2025, competing against university teams from across the UK. 

The men’s Gaelic football team has also enjoyed significant success in recent years, winning the Scottish University Championship in both 2023/24 and 2024/25 and finishing both seasons as unbeaten champions.

Following some time away from competition, the team’s re-establishment has been supported by the large Irish community studying at QMU, while also providing an opportunity for students from Scotland and elsewhere to get involved in the sport and Irish culture. 

The success of QMU’s Gaelic football clubs is also helping attract prospective students, particularly those from Ireland who are looking to continue playing the sport while studying in Scotland. 

For some students, the opportunity to join a successful Gaelic football club is an important factor when choosing where to study. 

Nicki Carr, an MSc Speech and Language Therapy student from Dublin, said: “The QMU Gaelic Football team has been a big part of my first year at QMU and has really helped me settle into university life.

“Moving to a new country and starting a busy postgraduate course was a big change, so being part of the club gave me a great way to meet people, make friends and feel more settled. 

“I really enjoyed being able to continue playing a sport I love without there being too much pressure around performance. The team was a good balance of football and socialising, and I got to meet people from different courses and years that I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

“Having a thriving Ladies Gaelic Football Club team was actually one of the things that attracted me to QMU when I was applying, as I knew it would be a good way to meet people and get involved in university life.

“Looking back, joining the team has been one of the best parts of my first year and has given me so many good memories and friendships that I’m really grateful for.” 

Although Gaelic games are deeply rooted in Irish culture, QMU’s clubs welcome students from all backgrounds and experience levels.

Whether students have played Gaelic football or camogie (an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women) for years, are new to the sport, or simply want to try something different, everyone is encouraged to get involved. 

The men’s team has seen first-hand how quickly new players can take to Gaelic football, with students with little or no previous experience able to develop their skills alongside more experienced players.

For the 2025/26 squad, creating a “home away from home” has been an important part of the club alongside building on its recent success on the pitch. 

Ciara Brady, Social Secretary for QMU Ladies Gaelic Football Club, said: “The inclusive culture created within the clubs means that members quickly become part of a close-knit community, with friendships formed through training sessions, matches, travel and social events throughout the year. 

“The success on the pitch reflects the commitment and dedication of players, coaches and committee members, but the clubs’ impact extends far beyond trophies.

“They provide opportunities for students to grow in confidence, meet new people and create memories that last well beyond graduation.” 

The club’s achievements have also been recognised through the QMU Students’ Union Excellence in Sport Award, with the Ladies Gaelic Football Club receiving the award for two consecutive years. 

Joe Agnew, QMU’s Student Union President of Activities, said: “Sport plays an important role in the student experience at Queen Margaret University, and our Gaelic football clubs are a fantastic example of how extracurricular activities can help students build connections. 

“The achievements of our women’s team, alongside the continued success and growth of our men’s team, demonstrate the strength and enthusiasm for Gaelic games at QMU.

“The clubs give students the chance to compete at a high level while developing skills and connections that can last throughout their time at university and beyond.”