Across the north-west, ‘Storm Desmond’ burst many river banks, blocked some roads and forced many club members to stay indoors.
Over 100 braved the conditions and attended Saturday night’s enjoyable and professionally presented Tír Chonaill Athletic Club Annual Awards in the Central Hotel, Donegal town, where club members numerous achievements were recognised, club mentors and administrators work and support were highlighted and thanked.
Club Chairman David Doherty acted as an excellent MC and at times ‘comedian’ while the very popular local international club athlete and special guest Karl Griffin made the presentations.
See the slideshow below …
Doherty summarised the numerous club achievements during 2015, thanked club administrators and coaches who work tirelessly throughout the year ensuring an excellent support service for the five hundred plus members.
Finally he thanked the numerous club sponsors and had a special word for Cara Pharmacies – the main club sponsor and the athletes tahat achieved so much at local, National and International levels during the period
Overall Club Athlete of the year
Mary McLoone, had an outstanding year, winner of three National titles during 2015 and smashed the Donegal Triple Jump record in July at an International meet in Bilbao.
Male athlete of the year
Conal Mahon won the National Under-23 Triple Jump title and was a medal winner in the National seniors.
Sprint Athlete of the year
Kate McGowan – National Junior 400m Hurdles Champion and recorded a ‘B’ qualification standard for the European Junior U20 championships.Kate smashed the Donegal 400m Hurdles record on two occasions in 2015.
Jumps athletes of the year
Male Caolan O’Callaghan – won numerous medals at National level – Indoor and Outdoor in the High and Triple Jump
Female -Rachael Gallagher – silver medal winner at National championships in Tullamore
Throws athletes of the year
Male – Diurmuid O’Donnell -Shot finalist at All Ireland Indoors and Outdoors
Female – Chloe Masterson – Hammer finalist at All Ireland’s
Middle Distance
Male – Paul Ward – numerous outstanding performances on the road – in particular in the Donegal
Half Marathon
Female – Emily McGill – competed in the Irish Schools finals and represented Ulster in the Tailteann Games Inter Pro. Ran exceptional PB times for 3k representing the club in the National league
Master Athletes of the year
Male Richard McCarthy – won his first National medal at National Indoors at Athlone Institute of Technology.
Female – Margaret Sweeney – National medal winner as part of Donegal Masters team in All Ireland CC
Coaches athlete of the year
Male – John O’Brien – a recent convert to the sport John lowered his PB for the 5k to under 18mins during 2015
Female Eva Mc Mullan – consistency – and a silver medal winner in National Junior 400m
Coach of the year
Sharon McGowan, lead coach behind the recent very successful Couch to 5k and fit4life groups in Ballyshannon
Club person of the year
Rosemary Dewhirst – organiser, administrator and coach supreme
Special Awards
One to the group of 10 club Ballyshannon/Bundoran members that successfully completed the National Marathon recently:
The group of athletes that qualified and represented the club in All Ireland competition.
The juvenile athletes that competed in Ulster competition during 2015.
