The University of Galway has marked a year of sporting success and heroes at the 39th annual Sports Awards.
The awards allow the university and sports community to come together to celebrate the triumphs and endeavours of athletes, sports clubs and coaches.
Among the winners in March were athlete Fiona Everard, golfer Liam Nolan and the University’s Women’s Soccer.
University of Galway’s Dean of Students, Professor Ciara Meehan said, “Congratulations to each of the awardees and a special word of thanks to all those who promote our University values of respect, openness and excellence through our Clubs.”
“Our annual sports awards reflect not only the excellence of our students in terms of preparation, performance and competing, but also the contribution they make, and their clubs make to our campus life and the importance of openness and participation in sport and exercise for the wellbeing of all our community.”
Fiona Everard who won the 2023 Irish National Cross Country Championships in Kilkenny, finishing 37 seconds clear of the field, in a race run in extreme muddy conditions.
She has since gone on to represent Ireland at the 2023 European Cross Country Championships and was selected for the 2024 World Athletics Cross Country Championships.
In golf, Liam Nolan started off 2023 by winning the South American Amateur Open, following it up with the Brabazon Trophy in May last year and competing in the Walker Cup.
The Women’s Soccer team has gone from strength to strength in the last year, making every the final of every competition they entered and the A-Team winning the University Premier League, which came on the back of wining the Premier Cup last year.
Therese Kinnevey and coach Billy Clery both earned individual awards for their success on the field.
A special awards ceremony was held at the University to recognise all University of Galway athletes and Clubs and their successes.
The University presented awards recognising sporting performance, leadership and participation, as well as those that contribute to the running and development of the University of Galway Sports Clubs.
The University Honours Awards celebrate remarkable final year individuals who have made an outstanding and sustained contribution to sport; shown an impeccable example of sportsmanship and a high level of performance and achievement; been an excellent ambassador within the University and student sport; and competed at a regional level or above.
University of Galway is now home to 40 active sports clubs, which are student-led and organised, with more than 6,000 students participating in sport and activity daily at the University.
2024 Sports Award Winners
- University Honours
Rian de Bairead (Bushypark, Co. Galway) Sailing
Liam Nolan (Barna, Co. Galway) Golf
Therese Kinnevey (Rosscahill, Co. Galway) Women’s Soccer
- Sports People of the Year
Fiona Everard (Enniskeane, Co. Cork) Athletics
Peter McGlynn (Mallow, Co. Cork) Volleyball
- Individual Performance of the Year
Robert McDonnell (Galway City) Athletics
- Team of the Year
Women’s Soccer Club
- Club Captain of the Year Award
Tianming Yao (Galway City) Table Tennis
- Club of the Year
Sailing Club
- Coach of the Year
Billy Clery (Furbo, Co. Galway) Women’s Soccer
- Most Improved Club Award
Table Tennis
- Best Event of the Year Award
Kayak Intervarsity 2024
- Unsung Hero Award
Leah Smith (Belturbet, Co. Cavan) Swimming
- SU Club Captains’ Choice Awards
Sarah Hontz (Galway City) Lacrosse
Conor Moran (Galway City) Windsurfing
