Wicklow athletics stars honoured

ATHLETICS

Star Awards

OVER 70 people attended the Athletics Wicklow Star Awards evening at the Pastoral Centre in Wicklow town recently where the achievements of Co. Wicklow athletes across a variety of disciplines in athletics were celebrated at the event organised by Inbhear Dee AC.

‘The 2019 star awardees demonstrated the talents of Co. Wicklow athletes across the spectrum of events in athletics – track and field, cross country, combined events and road running – recognising the diversity of disciplines within athletics and the breadth of the achievements of Co. Wicklow athletes during the past year,’ wrote Bill Porter in the wide ranging and comprehensive booklet on the award winners.

‘The 2019 recipients have shown excellence in their disciplines. Those athletes who have set regional and national championship best performances will receive certificates. On behalf of the Co. Board I congratulate all those receiving awards this evening.

‘The annual achievements of Co. Wicklow athletes do not make the selection process easy given the performances across different events, with several athletes vying closely for most awards.

‘While tonight we celebrate the achievements of the awardees, I would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all Co. Wicklow athletes who have gained individual and team medals at Leinster and national levels in 2019 and also those who have achieved personal bests.

‘Athletics Wicklow feels justifiably proud of the personal achievements of all our athletes. I am certain that Athletics Wicklow can look forward to further athletic successes in 2020 based on the performances in 2019 as markers of Wicklow talent.

‘Finally, I extend a most sincere thank you to the many dedicated officials and volunteers who officiate and help in many different ways at athletic events.

‘Championships at county, provincial and national levels would not take place without their dedication and professionalism.

‘A special thank you also to the Wicklow officials who do sterling work at county competitions. Last but not least I thank all the officers of the Co. Board for their dedication and hard work during 2019,’ he added.

International men and performance of the year award winner Mick Byrne of Slí Cualann collects his award from Bill Porter. On March 25, the indomitable Byrne led home the Irish M55 Cross Country team to the gold medals at the World Masters Athletic Championships Indoor (WMACI) at Toru, Poland. Mick placed fourth of the 50 competitors, just 10 seconds adrift of an individual bronze medal winner.

Wicklow’s Athlete of the Year 2019 at the recent Athletics Wicklow Star Awards was Fionnuala McCormack of Kilcoole AC. Fionnuala’s mother Ellen Britton collected the award on her behalf. Bill Porter presented.

Michael Knight of Slí Cualann collected a special recognition award.

Ronan Dempsey of Greystones AC is presented with the Junior Men Star Award by Bill Porter.

Under 16/19 Boys Star Award winner, Jack McGlone of Greystones AC.

Terry Kavanagh presents Sarah Baryga with her Performance of the Year award after her runs in the Dublin City and Waterford marathons.