Mayor of Kildare and Kildare County Council Honour Kildare's Sporting Heroes
On Monday, 8th December the Mayor of Kildare, Councillor Fiona O’Loughlin, hosted a Civic Reception in Áras Chill Dara to celebrate and honour Kildare’s sporting heroes, who achieved success in 2014 throughout a wide range of disciplines.
The event was also attended by Chairman of Kildare Sports Partnership, Ray D’Arcy and Chief Executive of Kildare County Council, Peter Carey.
In a wide ranging speech the Mayor thanked all the recipients for their commitment to sport and said they were role models for the youth of our county. She highlighted the achievements of two recipients in particular, Patrick Monahan and Shane Dunphy, saying their achievements were an inspiration to us all. She also acknowledged the support and role played by parents and coaches, many of whom were present, in the development and success of the athletes.
Mr Ray D’Arcy spoke of his role with Kildare Sports Partnership and the importance of getting more people active in sport and physical activity in the county and the huge health benefits that accrue from this, saying that our sporting heroes should never underestimate the role they play in society.
Kildare County Council Chief Executive, Peter Carey, said he was delighted to be present at this important occasion and confirmed the council’s support for sport within the county through the Sports Partnership initiative.
Syl Merrins, Coordinator of Kildare Sports Partnership, outlined the achievements of each individual as they were presented with their awards by the Mayor and Ray D’Arcy.
Jenny Murphy, one of the outstanding players in this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup, concluded the evening as she spoke on behalf of the recipients, thanking the Mayor and Kildare County Council for the presentations saying that it was indeed an honour to be acknowledged by your county.
The recipients were:
- Jenny Murphy - Rugby
- Fiona Coghlan - Rugby
- Jamie Heaslip - Rugby
- Fergus McFadden - Rugby
- Martin Moore - Rugby
- Paul Robinson - Athletics
- Patrick Monahan – Wheelchair Racing
- Pat Behan – Soccer
- Hayley Nolan - Soccer
- Brooke Dunne - Soccer
- Robert Hendrick - Kayaking
- Kildare Senior Hurling Team
- Kildare Under 21 Hurling Team
- Shane Dunphy – Special Award
- Rita Quirke – Special Olympics
- Kate Kelly - Paralympics
- John Joyce - Boxing
- David Oliver Joyce - Boxing
- Willie Donoghue - Boxing
- Brandon McCarthy - Boxing
- Gary Cully - Boxing
- Kelsey Leonard - Boxing
- James Hughes - Boxing
- Natasha Logan - Boxing
- Caitlin Sweeney - Boxing
- Natasha O’Reilly - Boxing
- Danny O’Reilly - Boxing
- Kildare Ladies Pitch & Putt Team
