Donegal County Council has celebrated the recipients of this years’ Sports Bursary Award.
A total of 60 applicants received an award from the Council, in recognition of their talents and achievements in the sporting space.
They were celebrated at a ceremony last week in the Council Chamber at the County House in Lifford.
Pictured at the Sports Bursary Awards held in the County House Lifford are front row (L-R)Aoife
McGeehin, Cllr. Donal Mandy Kelly, Mathew Leslie, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. Lani Lafferty, John G. McLaughlin Chief Executive Donegal County Council, Joseph
Aidoo,Back row (l-r) Paddy Doherty, Divisional Manager, Community & Enterprise Division Alec McDywer,Sharon Gallen,Maeve McGeehin,Fern Duffy, Catháoir Keenan, Caoimhin
Connolly, Fintan Dewhirst, Cory Chambers,Brian Anderson, Rohan O’Hara Nolan,Elvis Okoh,Jamie Kennedy, and Liam Ward Director of Service, Donegal County Council. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
The Sports Bursary award is open to athletes from all sports recognised by Sport Ireland and overseen by a national governing body.
Awards were given out under three categories: Senior Olympic/World Class/International, Developmental and Veteran.
Athletes from sports as varied as athletics, surfing, badminton, shotput, boxing and cycling received awards this year.
Pictured at the Sports Bursary Awards held in the County House Lifford are front row (L-R) Cllr. Donal Mandy Kelly, Lani Bea Greenberg, Cllr. Niamh Kennedy Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. Naoimi Darragh on behalf of her daughter Rachel Darragh, John G. McLaughlin Chief Executive Donegal County Council, Amy Timoney, Back row Tony Brogan Donegal County Council, Paddy Doherty, Divisional Manager, Community & Enterprise Division , Brian Boyce, Jacqueline Kelly on behalf of her son John Kelly,Joe English on behalf of his son Mark,and Liam Ward Director of Service, Donegal County Council. Photo by Gerard McHugh Photography
In presenting the awards, Cllr Niamh Kennedy, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council acknowledged “Not only the contribution that elite sports people make to our County, but the important contribution that sport at any level can make to individuals and communities. Also, the coaches, families, and friends who have stood by our athletes, your unwavering support has been invaluable – the support networks that you provide help make their success possible, your unwavering dedication is the bedrock upon which our community is built.”
Donegal County Council Chief Executive John G McLaughlin congratulated the awardees and commented on “the importance of Sport in promoting social inclusion, active citizenship and pride in our communities regardless of age, gender or ability” and he congratulated “all the awardees and encouraged everyone to continue to champion the spirit of sport and community.”
