Coaches awards for athletes

The team of dedicated coaches behind the continued success of the increasing number of local athletes have announced their awards for the 2024 season in track and field and cross country events.

Newport Athletic Club chairperson, Anne Fagan, has also presented her award and members of the club winners of national medals during last season have been honoured.

Under 17 years athlete, Conor Kiely “who never misses a training session or competition and is always enthusiastic to help out” with the training of younger athletes or running of the events, was presented with the Chairperson's Award for 2024.

The coaches awards for the season were presented to five young athletes “deserving of recognition” with their positive attitude, attendance record at training and have shown great improvements over the season.

The honours went to Aidan Kennedy, Kaeley Sheehy, Ella Power, Nina Donnellan and Luke Ryan.

Under 12 athlete, Aidan performs with great style and finished a very successful season with a Munster ‘B’ medal to his credit. Kealey is a multi-talented athlete competing Under 15 during the season and winner of several county medal during the year, while Ella's commitment to training right through the winter months benefited her to achieve county medals in hurdles, spring and cross country.

Under 15 middle distance runner, Nina is the county 800m champion with a collection of other awards earned in 2024 and Luke Ryan, an Under 15 athlete who “always has a smile on his face” capped off county and Munster medals with a National Cross Country Relay Gold.

NATIONAL AWARDS

Gaining national awards has become a regular feature of the club members and 2024 was no exception with those who won at national level being recognised for their achievements.

James Long and Luke Ryan were members of the Tipperary team winners of the Under 14 National CG Cross Country Relay team while Jack Kelly, James Long, Sophie Kelly and Lucy Palmer qualified for the Under 15 CG 4x400 Relay where they secured silver medals. Kenneth Blower, Fionn Griffin, Dillon Walsh and Daragh McNamara were part of the Men's Tipperary National League team winners of national bronze medals. Sophie Walker and Ava Palmer were part of the Tipperary National League Women's team winner of gold medals. Behind the club are a truly dedicated team of helpers, engaged in the coaching and training, the support of the athletes, preparation of the grounds and facilities and without whose huge input the club could not function. They are deserving of gold medals all round.