The annual function to select the overall winner of the Evening Echo Ladies Sportstar Awards was held this afternoon at the Rochestown Park Hotel. In what was a great year for women’s sport in Cork, the twelve monthly winners were gathered hoping to win this prestigious award. It is now regarded as one of the most sought after ladies award in the Ireland. This was the 6th year of the Award, which commenced in 2007.
Leevale’s Derval O’Rourke was the proud recipient of the overall award in 2010 for her silver medal performance in the 100m hurdles at the European Championships. This year Leevale had 2 monthly winners. Lizzie Lee was the June winner. This was Lizzie’s 3rd year in a row to receive a monthly award, the only lady ever to attain this accolade. Leevale’s Orla Barry was the September winner, for her fantastic bronze medal performance in the discus at the London 2012 Paralympics. There was a tremendous reception from the large attendance when Orla was announced as the overall winner for 2012.
The year 2012 was a brilliant year for the Ladysbridge native. She is currently ranked number 1 in Europe. Her PB of 29.65 m is a European record. She is the current European champion winning the gold medal at the IPC European Athletic Championships in Stadskaal. Orla is still only 22 years old and has already competed in two Olympic Games. At the tender age of 18, she finished just outside the medals in 5th position at the Beijing games in 2008. Then her crowning glory came in London 2012 with that brilliant bronze medal. Orla has thoroughly deserved this latest Evening Echo Award. Congratulations from all at the club.
