Monash Memo - 19 September 2001

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Irish eyes are smiling at Monash

Monash scored a resounding victory over Dublin City University in a recent trans-continental sports challenge at Clayton campus.

The 40 members of the Irish team took on Monash's men's and women's soccer teams, as well as the women's Gaelic football and volleyball teams.

Irish eyes were smiling as the women's soccer team crushed Monash 3-0. It was the start the Dublin team were looking for but their Irish luck soon ran out, with Monash winning the men's soccer 3-2 and the women's volleyball 3-0.

Dublin and Monash students then combined for an exhibition match of Gaelic football.

Director of Sport at Monash Mr James Voght said planning the event had taken considerable time and effort.

"We were pleased to host the challenge and, of course, to win it convincingly," Mr Voght said.

He said the challenge had also enabled students at both universities to experience competing against teams from other countries.

"We are thrilled to be able to provide our students at Monash with the opportunity to compete at the highest levels in sport," he said.

"Currently, six of our students are returning from the World University Games in Beijing, where they have had the opportunity to compete against some of the world's best."

Dublin City University team manager Ms Fiona Justin said she had been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support of Monash and its students.

"We have enjoyed the hospitality of several universities, but the friendliness and organisation of Monash has been second to none," she said.

It is hoped that several Monash teams will travel to Dublin during the summer break next year to continue the tradition.

Monash and Dublin City University go head to head in the men's soccer earlier this month.