Posted 04 March 2026
Legendary Welsh Olympian Colin Jackson visited University College Dublin (UCD) on Wednesday this week as part of St. David’s Day celebrations in Ireland, in partnership with the Welsh Government of Office in Ireland.
The second iteration of the Ireland–Wales Shared Statement 2030, signed by Tánaiste Simon Harris and First Minister of Wales Eluned Morgan in 2025, includes ‘Communities, Diaspora and Sport’ as a core area for bilateral cooperation, underscoring the value placed on sport as a means of bringing communities together across Ireland and Wales.
This special engagement highlights the deep and enduring relationship between Ireland and Wales, particularly across education, research, culture and sport, and reflects the shared ambitions set out in the Shared Statement.
Sport is recognised as an important connector in building people-to-people links, fostering mutual understanding, youth development and cultural engagement between nations. The framework encourages ongoing engagement through sporting exchanges and collaborative activities, reflecting the shared legacy of sport in both countries and its role in delivering social and community impact.
Speaking at UCD’s athletic track, the two-time World Champion Colin Jackson said; “It’s a real privilege to be at University College Dublin as part of the St. David’s Day celebrations. Sport has always had the power to bring people together beyond borders, and the connection between Wales and Ireland is something to be proud of. To meet young athletes here at UCD and share experiences with them is incredibly special. Initiatives like this show how sport can strengthen cultural ties and inspire the next generation to aim high, both on and off the track”.
Colin Jackson’s distinguished career, including Olympic silver and multiple World and European titles, makes him an inspiring figure for student athletes. His visit reflects the power of sport not only to drive excellence, but also to strengthen cooperation and youth engagement.
Prof. Orla Feely, UCD President said: “We are delighted to host Colin Jackson and the Welsh Government Office in Ireland to mark St. David’s Day celebrations here. Our University and Welsh higher education and research institutions share long-standing and deep collaborative links which are underpinned by shared culture and history including our shared interest in sport.
Through UCD Sport and its high-performance programmes, the university continues to foster environments where academic ambition and sporting achievement go hand in hand, a vision closely aligned with Ireland–Wales collaboration priorities.”
Colin is visiting Dublin as part of a wider schedule of engagement in celebration of St. David’s Day and will conclude his visit with a podcast recording in The National Concert Hall on Thursday evening.
Photo Credit: Sam Barnes, Sportsfile
Contact UCD Sport
Room 202 Sports Office, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. E: sport@ucd.ie | Location Map(opens in a new window)Please note: The pool, gym and facility bookings are not managed by UCD Sport.