Back Row L- R Stuart Moloney, Aoife Lynch (Denis Lynch), Sarah Ryan, Joe Ryan (Loughmore Castleiney Team), Clodagh Donoghue, Niamh Madden, Anna Paxman, Emer Brennan, Sadbh Connolly, Jennifer O’Leary, Barry Grogan, Sophie Walker (Sharlene Mawdsley), Kate Delaney, Emma Delaney
Middle Row: Aidan McGrath (Leah McGrath), Donnacha Cleary, Frank O Dwyer, Darragh O Hora, David Ryan, Andy Lacey, Adam Ryan, Edmond O Dwyer, Jimmy Carr
Seated Larry Creamer, Dermot Dougan (Daire Lynch), Amee-Leigh Costigan, John Kiely, Danny Whyte.
Photo Credit – Caleb Barrett.
The sporting achievements of 20 individuals and groups were recognised at the Canon Hayes Sports Awards, Tipperary town on December 27th. There was a celebratory atmosphere at the event held in the afternoon with all the recipients known in advance and all attending with the exception of Olympians Sharlene Mawdsley – represented by Sophie Walker from Newport AC and Olympic Bronze Medal Winner Daire Lynch from Clonmel Rowing Club represented by Dermot Dougan. Olympian Aimee Leigh Kingston (formerly Murphy-Crowe) collected her award in recognition of her success in Women’s Rugby in 2024 and says she will use her married name going forward.
The awards were presented by John Kiely, former Principal of the Abbey School in Tipperary town and current manager of the record-making Limerick Senior Hurling Team who won their 6th in a row Munster title in 2024 – although they failed in their bid to win a fifth All Ireland in the row.
All of the winners were from county Tipperary as the Canon Hayes Committee felt there was so much homegrown success to celebrate including the All Ireland Minor Hurling Title ( David Ryan, Adam Ryan and Darragh O’Hora), the victory of the Tipperary Ladies Track and Field Athletes in winning the National team title in 2024 and Tipperary town’s Sarah Ryan, National U16 Pitch and Putt Champion. Bansha’s Leah McGrath alongside Jimmy Carr and Edmund O’Dwyer were recognised for their success on the soccer field. Barry Grogan in Gaelic Football and Donnacha Cleary, Golf were also celebrated on the day as was the Loughmore GAA Senior Double Winning Team of 2024. Showjumper Denis Lynch was rewarded with his sister Aoife collecting his Award, Frank O’Dwyer, Tipperary Town Special Olympics Club, was celebrated to recognise his selection on the Irish Special Olympics team at the Turin Games next March competing in Floorball.
Stevie O’Donnell was MC for the event adding deep biographical notes for all recipients. In addition to competitive excellence three awards were presented to recognise the social value and impact of sport – the recipients were Stuart Moloney, Larry Creamer and Danny Whyte. Stuart ran 100km in 24 hours to raise funds for the Irish Wheelchair Association and Aherlow Ladies Football, Larry led a Walking Group to the top of Galtee Mor raising funds for The Excel Centre while Danny runs a Tuesday night social running group in Tipperary town – “Chasing Pavements” that raised funds for Circle of Friends in a special Santa Run.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to a spry 82 year old Andy Lacey in recognition of his work supporting Arravale Rovers teams and fundraising for Tipperary GAA teams and local clubs and charities. Mr Lacey paid tribute to his wife Angela for keeping the family business going while he took on sporting projects.
Chairman of the Canon Hayes Sports and Recreation Centre John McCahill concluded the event by paying tribute to the parents and coaches involved across the county and encouraged people to visit and use the facilities of the centre which is working towards securing funds for a major revamp.
