North Sligo AC athlete Christopher O’Donnell was among the winners at the National Athletics Awards held in Santry yesterday.
The Grange native was honoured as the top-performing male schools athlete after a number of national successes and after breaking the Irish junior 400m record at the European U20 Championships in Italy during the summer.
Donegal coach Teresa McDaid was also honoured at the awards ceremony, while Rob Heffernan was named athlete of the year and the Irish men’s European race walking team was named team of the year.
ATHLETICS
Irish Life Health National Athletics Awards which in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry (Dec 6)
Award Winners
Athlete of the Year: Robert Heffernan (Togher)
Hall of Fame: Ray Flynn
Lifetime service to Athletics: Al Guy
Outstanding Official Award: Pat Kelly (St Abban's)
U20 Athlete: Gina Akpe-Moses (Blackrock - Louth)
U23 Athlete: Siofra Cleirigh Buttner (DSD)
Endurance: Robert Heffernan (Togher)
Track & Field: Brian Gregan (Clonliffe Harriers)
Inspirational Performance: Cliodhna Manning (Kilkenny City Harriers)
Special Recognition Award: Deirdre Ryan and Paul Hession
Performance Club: Clonliffe Harriers
Development Club: Nenagh Olympic AC
Team of the Year: Irish men's European Race Walking Team
Service to Coaching: Hayley and Drew Harrison
Mountain Runner: Des Kennedy (Raheny Shamrock)
Master Athlete: Mark O'Shea (Drogheda and District)
Ultra Athlete: Eoin Keith (Sportsworld)
University Athlete: Phil Healy (Bandon/UCC)
Schools Athletes: Michaela Walsh & Christopher O’Donnell
European Athletics Awards: Teresa McDaid, Paddy Marley and Donie Walsh
