FERGAL O’Callaghan has been appointed the first Director of Sport at Limerick’s Mary Immaculate College (MIC).
The Limerick native brings with him more than two decades of experience in high-performance sport across professional rugby, international rowing, Gaelic games and Olympic programmes.
He has worked with Munster Rugby, Ireland Rugby 7s, Limerick/Galway/Offaly Senior Hurling teams and Ireland Rowing.
Educated at St Munchin’s College, O’Callaghan studied Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Limerick.
An accomplished international rower, he won six national senior titles and represented Ireland at the World Rowing Championships.
Speaking about his appointment, O’Callaghan said: “I’m really looking forward to working with students, staff, coaches and our external partners over the coming months to develop a long-term strategy for sport at MIC. This isn’t something that will be built by one person; the real strength of sport here will come from the collective effort of the MIC community as we explore what is possible.”
He added: “We aim to build on the strong tradition of Gaelic Games at MIC while also strengthening opportunities in sports such as soccer and basketball and expanding access to physical activity for all students and staff. With developments like the new gym facility in An Tailteann and plans to expand outdoor exercise spaces, including the sports development at MIC Thurles, we hope to create a vibrant sporting environment that is active from early morning to late evening throughout the year.”