Mark English has been named as the Overall winner at the 2022 Donegal Sports Star Awards.
The awards ceremony took place this evening in the Mount Errigal Hotel in Letterkenny where the Finn Valley athlete was named the winner.
English had a sensational 2022 season, with his European bronze medal in the 800m at the European Championships in Munich the highlight of his season, finishing in a time of 1.45.19.
He also won an eighth National title at the National Senior Track & Field Championships in Santry.
English competed at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, narrowly missing out in the final.
He also ran the fastest time ever run by an Irishman in a Championship race at the same Championships, finishing in 1:44.76.
English was unable to attend as he is competing in Sweden at the weekend but he sent a video to say his thanks.
“I want to say a massive thank you to everyone for this incredible honour,” he told the crowd in the Mount Errigal Hotel.
“To be the first male athlete to win this overall award three times is truly a humbling experience.
“I am so grateful to be included along with so many other talented and accomplished athletes.
“I would like to thank the Donegal Sports Star Awards committee for recognising my achievements over the past year. To be recognised by your own community for the hard work you’ve done is truly a gratifying experience.
“I’d like to thank Finn Valley AC for their encouragement and support throughout the year, as well as my own coach Feidhlim Kelly.”
English then thanked his family for all their love and support.
“They have been rocks through the highs and the lows of my career.
“2022 was a really good year for me personally. I finished third in the Europeans in Munich in August and finished 10th at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
“I’ll continue to strive to achieve my best in 2023 and beyond. I hope to continue to do my community in Donegal proud.”
