Leevale AC once again stood in the spotlight at the National Athletics Awards, held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Santry on November 22nd. The day was marked by a series of prestigious awards that showcased the club’s exceptional contributions to athletics.
Performance Club of the Year: Leevale AC
The pinnacle of the ceremony was when Leevale AC was once again named the Performance Club of the Year. This accolade is a testament to the collective efforts, dedication, and outstanding performances of the athletes, coaches, and supporters who make Leevale AC a powerhouse in Irish athletics. The club’s commitment to excellence and the development of its members have rightfully earned them this esteemed recognition.
Masters Athlete of the Year: Annette Quaid
Annette Quaid, a standout member of Leevale AC, was deservedly awarded the title of Masters Athlete of the Year. This honor is a reflection of Annette’s exceptional achievements and dedication to her craft. Her commitment to excellence serves as an inspiration to fellow athletes within the club and the broader athletics community.
Hall of Fame Inductee: Mark Carroll
The night also celebrated the induction of Mark Carroll into the Hall of Fame for 2023. Mark Carroll’s illustrious career has left an indelible mark on Irish athletics. From his early triumph at the European Junior Men’s 5,000m title in 1991 to the European Championships bronze in 1998, Carroll’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. His gold at the 2000 European Athletics Indoor Championships and his enduring Irish 3,000m record set in Monaco in 1999, which still stands today at 7:30.36, solidify his place in the annals of Irish athletics history.
Services to Coaching: John Sheehan (Leevale AC)
In addition to athlete honors, the night recognized the invaluable contributions of coaches. John Sheehan, a dedicated member of Leevale AC, was rightfully awarded for his outstanding services to coaching. Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the athletes of today and tomorrow, and John’s dedication to the development of athletes within Leevale AC has not gone unnoticed.
Leevale AC extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees and expresses gratitude to the National Athletics Awards for recognizing the club’s excellence in various facets of athletics. These honors serve as a motivation for Leevale AC to continue striving for greatness in the years to come. The club remains committed to nurturing talent, fostering a spirit of sportsmanship, and contributing to the rich tapestry of Irish athletics.
Meanwhile back in Cork, Ryan Creech was the October recipient of the Cork City Sports athlete of the month award. Ryan placed 7th overall at the Dublin Marathon on October 30th in a field of over 16,000 participants with a time of 2:14:08. Ryan was the second Irish athlete to cross the finish line and this outstanding performance earned him the silver at the Irish Senior Mens Marathon championship for 2023. Ryan’s time was right up there with his personal best of 2:13:03 which he achieved at the Seville marathon last February.
