David Byrne | Fencing Correspondent
This year marks the 60th year of the Intervarsity Fencing Championships. The Intervarsity Championships have been held every year since the Russell Cup was first presented in 1955. This iteration of the intervarsity competition begins on Saturday, March 8th.
Dublin University Fencing Club has a successful history, having won the trophy a total of 36 times. This impressive feat includes a run of thirteen consecutive wins between 1979 and 1991. Success for our club at this Holy Grail of competitions is not confined to the history books, however. DU Fencing Club are current Intervarsity champions, having won the trophy last year, for a remarkable sixth consecutive year.
Our success in recent years is a consequence of many factors. The hard work, weekly training, and dedication of our fencers has been integral to our success. But another crucial aspect has been the support and team spirit that lives within our club. Last year we had a symphony of support from club members. An inspirational team talk “When I say Trinity, you say college”, wonderful cheering and chanting, and an endless supply of Jaffa Cakes helped to carry us to victory.
Although we can take many positives from last year, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels, however. The competition from other universities is as tough as ever. Moreover, each year presents fresh challenges, with members graduating and leaving the club, members going on Erasmus and the usual travails of any sports club on campus to contend with. Although we have lost a couple of squad members this year, thankfully the majority of our squad remain and have worked hard to improve and prepare for this weekend, as you would expect.
Last year we withstood the pressure, we overcame the nerves, and we silenced any critics. This year we are ready to do the same again. Seven in a row is on the cards.
When I say Trinity, you say…
