‘Shining example’ Tom scoops

THERE was plenty to celebrate for the McGrane family in particular as St Peter’s AC recognised the achievements of their athletes in the 2016 season at their Annual Awards Night on Friday last.

The night commenced when chairperson Brendan Rogers addressed the large gathering and welcomed athletes, supporters and parents to the event - in particular any new athletes who had just joined for the coming season.

He congratulated all the athletes on their achievements on the past season and the first presentations were to the three National gold medallists, namely Conor Durnin (triple jump), Emily Rogers (high jump) and Katie Murphy (shot putt).

The juvenile track and field awards were divided into two sections - Over and Under 16 - and the track and field awards for the younger age group went to Niamh Brady and Rory McLoughlin. The most improved track and field awards went to Ava Brennan and Harry O’Reilly. The Over-16 boys award went to Gabriel Bell and the girls award went to Katie Murphy.

The Cross-Country awards went to Lucy Smyth for most improved girl and to Ben McKeown for most improved boy. The victorious Boys Under-11 cross-country team - Jack McLaughlin, Harry Oreilly, Conor Litchfield and Padraic Tinnelly - were also recognised for their achievements.

These awards were then fol- lowed by the perpetual awards. The one for jumps again went to Gabriel Bell and the throws award went to Katie Murphy. The Richardson Shield was awarded to the hard-working Judith Bell, the Maria Mackin trophy went to the ever-improving Ellie Smyth and the Angela McDonald trophy was awarded to Dean Murtagh for his efforts in both Track & Field and Cross-Country.

The Master Athlete of the year went to Brendan Rogers for his various achievements in 2016 and the penultimate award of the night - club person of the year - went to Dearbhla Allen for her dedication to training and events and her brilliant attitude.

The final award of the night was