MIE, visible from the top deck of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, has ambitious plans for the year ahead. Buoyed up by victory last year in the Corn na Mac Léinn (Div. 3) final during Sigerson Cup weekend in Belfast, the men’s football team now in Division 2 are intent on having a right go at the Trench Cup (Div. 2) and gaining promotion to the top flight. Early rounds in the upcoming league pit Marino against much bigger and stronger opponents in NUIG, GMIT, Dundalk IT and Blanchardstown IT, but with all bar four of last year’s team on board and with some new players being added to the panel, ambitions remain high.

The Ladies’ footballers who have been knocking at the door at semi-final and final stages over the past few years hope to make the big breakthrough this year and bring some silverware back to Griffith Avenue and play Carlow IT and LIT early on in the league. The men’s hurlers who qualified for the Division 3 finals at Fitzgibbon Cup weekend in Cork last year, hope to go one step further this year while the Camogie team hope to unearth some new talent and make a serious impact.  

In MIE there exists a vibrant GAA community with many of our current and former students lining out for their native counties – Ciarain Murtagh (B. Ed. 3 and Roscommon Senior Captain), Dessie Conneely (B. Ed. 2 and Galway Minor Football Captain), Martin O’Reilly (Donegal), Darragh McVeety (Cavan) and Tadhg Morley (Kerry). A small college with a big heart and big ambitions, in MIEevery student is given the opportunity to take part in their chosen sport regardless of level of ability. We believe in the motto that it is the taking part not the winning which is important. Many of our former students – both male and female – as teachers in their schools are doing wonderful work with Cumann na mBunscol promoting Gaelic Games.

There are many benefits to getting involved in sport in MIE. What better way is there to spend a few hours a week away from the stress and pressure of study than to take part in physical activities on our playing pitch or in our Sports Hall? Think also of the friendships forged while training together and the joy of representing your college when you play in the many leagues and championships organised by the Higher Education Board – and the team photograph which you will forever have.