Mayor’s Reception for Lauren Cadden

MAYOR Councillor Rosaleen O’Grady hosted a reception on Tuesday evening to honour local athlete Lauren Cadden, Irish record-holder and Gold medallist at the National Juvenile Championships.

In her address the Mayor said: “Over the space of a matter of days this chamber has hosted an impressive array of local sporting talent. On Wednesday last, we honoured Sligo Rugby Club in recognition of their achievement on winning the Connacht Senior League for the first time in over 100 years.

“This evening, we honour and applaud a special individual achievement as we welcome Lauren and her family. In many respects, it is even more challenging to excel as an individual athlete than as a member of a team. You don’t have the collective ambition and support of colleagues, you rely totally on your own skill, will and determination.

“That’s what makes Lauren’s successes so remarkable; you have to find a way to dovetail studies with training and competition, while maintaining a firm focus on reaching your full potential as one of our most talented emerging athletes.

“Lauren has achieved such a roll of honour in her young career that it is difficult to capture in a short address but without doubt one of the major highlights was being crowned U19 national 100 metre champion.

“There are many strands to Lauren’s success. While the core element is her own ability and ambition, Lauren has enjoyed the support of family and the expert coaching of Dermot McDermott.

“Composure under pressure is an indicator of a true athlete, and we can only hazard the pressure on the day when Lauren lined up against the very best athletes in the country during the National Juvenile track and field championships in Tullamore.

“For family and supporters who had been following your career with interest, being crowned national champion came as no surprise.

“For the wider community, it caused them to sit up and take notice of a rising local star in our midst, and the local sports media have reported extensively on your progress.

“One very important result of your stellar career is that it has inspired and energised many other young athletes who hope to follow in your foot steps.

“You might feel you are a bit young to be a role model, but the reality is that many young people look up to you, admire and respect you, and fully appreciate the very evident results of hard work and dedication.

“You have done Sligo proud, and the people of Sligo in turn are proud of you and what you have achieved.

“We will continue to follow your progress and wish you every success in the future,” Cllr O’Grady added.

YOU HAVE DONE SLIGO PROUD AND THE PEOPLE OF SLIGO IN TURN ARE PROUD OF YOU.

Lauren Cadden with Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady, councillors and family at the Mayor’s Reception in Riverside.

Lauren Cadden signs the Distinguished Visitors Book with Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady and her parents Leonie and Michael at the Reception in County Hall. Pics: Carl Brennan.

Lauren with Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady and friends at the Reception.

Lauren Cadden with Mayor of Sligo Municipal District Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady.

Lauren’s friends take pictures at the Mayor’s Reception.

Lauren with Mayor Cllr Rosaleen O’Grady, councillors and family.

Lauren with her parents Leonie and Michael.

Michael Cadden, Denise Cadden, Lauren Cadden, Cllr O’Grady and Paul Cadden.