Job puts spring in Kidney’s step

Former Ireland rugby boss Declan Kidney, director of sport at UCC, has urged students to look after their physical and mental health.

“You can win, you can lose, you can be rich or poor, but it’s your health that really matters,” Kidney said as he launched a year-long health promotion initiative across campus yesterday.

Kidney, who was let go from the Irish rugby job in April, and appointed in August to oversee the development and administration of sport at UCC, said he was enjoying the new role.

“This is a whole new world,” he said. “I’m enjoying it at the moment. I have found great energy and vibrancy amongst the students.

“I have to oversee 60-plus clubs, and facilitate them in terms of best practice, finances and administration — everything really.”

Kidney said the Health Matters initiative will hopefully show students what really matters — looking after their physical and mental health.

The initiative is part of the university’s drive to become a World Health Organisation-recognised Health-Promoting University.

A calendar of events designed to improve staff and student wellbeing over the year was unveiled yesterday.

Michael Byrne is coordinating the UCC Health Matters initiative.

“It is an opportunity for the whole UCC community to consider how, as individuals or groups, they can effect a change to make UCC a healthier and happier place in which to work or study,” said Dr Byrne.

“It has been fantastic to be involved so far and I look forward to UCC Health Matters making a real difference over the coming years.”

A festival of random acts of kindness took place around campus yesterday, offering free massage and hugs and complimentary health checks, including body mass index checks and blood pressure tests.