The Deep RiverRock Blues Sporting Awards is an annual event celebrating the outstanding sporting achievements of Queen’s Sports Clubs and individual student athletes. 

'This event has celebrated over 70 years of recognising talented students and contributors to sport and wellbeing at Queen’s. This is a historic year for Queen's as it celebrates its 180th anniversary and the real-world impact it has made. We are proud to induct alumni into our Sporting Hall of Fame and present special awards to outstanding individuals, teams, coaches, and community organisations'. Mr Karl Oakes - Head of Sport and Physical Wellbeing 

The 2025 Blues Awards will take place on Thursday 5 June in Queen’s Whitla Hall.

 Introducing our 2025 Blues Recipients       

Special Achievement Awards 2025

This year’s Blues Awards once again highlighted the remarkable dedication, talent and commitment within Queen’s Sport. A range of Special Achievement Awards were presented on the night, including Inspirational Sporting, Community Impact, Hidden Hero, Coach of the Year, Team of the Year and Individual Achievement. These awards celebrate those who have gone above and beyond in their sporting journey. 

Queen’s Sporting Hall of Fame Inductees 2025

Now in its third year, the Queen’s Sporting Hall of Fame continues to honour and celebrate the university’s most distinguished sporting alumni—recognising excellence across generations, with inductees selected from each decade dating back to the 1950s. For 2025, we are proud to induct Rebecca Edwards (Rowing) and Kieran McGeeney (Gaelic Football) into the Hall of Fame.

Rebecca Edwards (Rowing)
Class of 2016, French & Spanish

Born in Aughnacloy, County Tyrone, Rebecca Edwards began rowing during her time at Queen’s while studying French and Spanish. Originally a keen footballer and hockey player, she found a new challenge on the water, quickly excelling and receiving Sport Bursary awards in 2013 and 2014.

In 2019, Rebecca joined the GB Rowing Team, marking the start of a distinguished international career. She made her Olympic debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games in the Women’s Eight and later competed in the Women’s Pair at the Paris 2024 Olympics, racing alongside her close friend and housemate, Chloe Brew.

Throughout her rowing journey, Rebecca earned a silver medal at the 2022 European Championships, gold at the 2023 World Rowing Cup in Lucerne, and Henley Royal Regatta victories in both the Remenham Challenge Cup and Hambledon Pairs. Her contribution to British sport was recognised in 2023 when she was awarded the British Empire Medal.

Rebecca retired from international rowing in November 2024, reflecting on a journey filled with commitment, resilience, and achievement. Today, she is giving back as a mentor to Queen’s Elite Athletes, sharing her experience in leadership, high performance, and mental strength. Her story is an inspiration to young athletes—proof that with drive and belief, anything is possible.

Kieran McGeeney (Gaelic Football)
Class of 1995, Civil Engineering

Kieran McGeeney’s name is etched into the history of Gaelic Football as both an exceptional player and respected manager. During his time at Queen’s, he played a central role in the success of the GAA club, captaining the team to Sigerson Cup victory in 1993—a landmark moment in the university’s sporting record.

He enjoyed further success with his home club, Mullaghbawn Cuchullains, securing three senior county championships and an Ulster Club title in 1995. After joining the Armagh county panel in 1989, McGeeney’s leadership peaked when he captained Armagh to their first-ever All-Ireland Senior title in 2002. That year, he was named Texaco Footballer of the Year and collected his third All-Star Award, having already been honoured in 1999 and 2000. In total, he won six Ulster titles and played for Ireland in twelve International Rules tests, captaining the team in 2006.

At club level in Dublin, he enjoyed great success with Na Fianna, winning three consecutive county titles and a Leinster crown in 1999. His transition into management began in 2005 with Kildare, before returning to lead Armagh as manager from 2015.

In 2024, he cemented his legacy by guiding Armagh to their second All-Ireland Senior Football Championship—making him one of the rare figures in GAA history to both captain and manage All-Ireland winning teams. Now the longest-serving inter-county manager in Ireland, Kieran’s impact on the game continues to be profound

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