President congratulates Irish University Challenge winner
President Michael D Higgins has congratulated Oscar Despard on captaining his team from Christ's College, Cambridge, to victory in the final of University Challenge.
Speaking on the Oliver Callan show, the Dublin student said he was "somewhat stunned but very happy" when his team won the competition.
Mr Despard, who was captain of Christ's College Cambridge team, said the win was too close for comfort but fun to watch last night.
He explained that the show had been recorded a few months ago.
However, he said he still got worried halfway through the viewing of the programme last night.
The college put on a special viewing and drinks reception even though they did not know if the team had won or not.
Mr Despard watched University Challenge in the main lecture theatre along with a "large turnout" of students, the Master and the Fellows.
"It seems stupid to say, but you get anxious all over again," he said.
Mr Despard said he kept details of his involvement "very quiet" and he received an influx of texts last night.
However, he said he thinks his mother got even more texts than he did.
He said his mother organised an event to watch the show at his old sailing club in Dún Laoghaire.
He added that his father said he was very proud, and his sister had been supportive throughout.
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