Outstanding performers honoured at Offaly Athletics awards

The 2024 Offaly Athletics Awards Ceremony was held on Saturday last, November 9th, at the Tullamore Court Hotel, where over 200 attendees gathered to honour the performances and achievements of Offaly’s athletic community across various disciplines, including track and field, cross-country, and road racing.

The evening was a vibrant celebration, serving not only as a tribute to the athletes’ impressive performances but also as a source of inspiration, encouraging continued growth and camaraderie in Offaly’s athletics community.

The awards are based on results from the following championship and races during the past year:

1 Senior and Masters Indoor track and field;

2 Offaly 4 Mile Championships (Ashling Murphy 4 mile);

3 Offaly 10k Championships (Jack Cox 10k);

4 Offaly 10 Mile Championships (Edenderry 10 mile);

5 Offaly Half Marathon Championships (Tullamore Harriers half marathon);

6 Offaly 5k series winners;

7 Offaly Endurance Series winners;

8 Offaly Novice cross country;

9 Offaly Masters cross country;

10 Offaly intermediate cross country.

Brendan Carroll served as an outstanding MC for the 2024 Offaly Athletics Awards Ceremony, warmly welcoming all in attendance before introducing Darren Butler, Chairman of Offaly Athletics, to officially open the evening. Darren extended a special welcome to Joe Gough, the guest of honour. Joe, representing West Waterford AC, is a celebrated athlete with multiple European and World titles.

Darren also recognised Lucy Darcy, one of Offaly Athletics’ honorary presidents, whose enduring support has been an inspiration to many. Catriona Duffy, Chairperson of Athletics Leinster, received heartfelt thanks for her guidance and unwavering support throughout the year. Brian Conroy from Pop Up Races was acknowledged for his exceptional service in event organisation, playing a key role in ensuring successful athletics events in the county. Darren Butler expressed sincere gratitude to the sponsors whose support has been instrumental in making Offaly's athletic events possible. He acknowledged Dermot Egan Healthy Offaly for sponsoring the Healthy Offaly 5K series, Barry Minnock, Centra Ireland, for their generous sponsorship of the Offaly 4 Mile Championships, the Ashling Murphy 4 Mile Race and Ger McIntyre, sponsor of the Buildmore Offaly Endurance Series.

The support from Offaly Civil Defence was also celebrated, recognising their consistent presence at events, providing professional services. Representing Athletics Ireland, Bashir Hussain, the regional development officer, was also commended for his contributions in fostering growth in Offaly Athletics.

Ger Rogers was thanked for his dedicated coverage of races, helping to highlight athletes’ achievements. Darren thanked Adrian Martin for putting the photo slide show together and for his photos throughout the year.

Darren made a heartfelt tribute to the late Tom Godley, a cherished figure in Offaly athletics who passed away last year. Tom’s dedication to the sport was unparalleled, as he devoted countless hours to fostering and sustaining the athletic community in Offaly.

Tom spearheaded the schools' athletics program in the county, leaving an indelible mark on countless young athletes. His commitment not only advanced the sport locally but also inspired many young people to pursue athletics with the same passion he demonstrated.

Tom’s absence is profoundly felt throughout Offaly’s athletic community, leaving a void that can never be fully filled. However, his spirit and legacy live on in those who continue his work, carrying forward his love and dedication to athletics.

Darren also took a moment to express deep gratitude for the invaluable contributions of the coaches and volunteers. He emphasised that without their dedication, Offaly athletics would not be able to host competitions or maintain the many thriving clubs across the county. However, he noted the growing need for more support to sustain and improve these efforts, urging attendees to reach out to their clubs and the county board for additional help. With more hands-on deck, Offaly Athletics can continue to grow and excel.

Reflecting on the past year, Darren celebrated the remarkable achievements of Offaly athletes, who have shone at both provincial and national levels. Among the standout successes were Danielle Donegan and Ava O’Connor from Tullamore Harriers, who proudly represented Ireland at the European Cross Country Championships last December. Another extraordinary highlight was Cian Crampton of Edenderry A.C., who made history by winning Ireland’s first-ever field event medal at the European U18 Championships—a bronze in discus, marking a groundbreaking moment for Offaly and Irish athletics.

Darren extended a thank you to the organising committee behind the Offaly Athletics Awards, recognising their immense effort in bringing this special evening to life. Though small, this team undertook an extraordinary amount of work, from meticulously compiling and verifying race results, to determining winners across teams and championships, and preparing over 700 medals and 150 trophies.

He commended each committee member for their unwavering commitment - Brendan Donagher, Tracey Burns, Adrian Delaney, Pauline Colgan, Mary Daly, Dermot Egan, Ann Maria Egan, and Ger Cleary. Their collective efforts have made this celebration possible, and the evening’s success reflects their hard work and passion for supporting Offaly athletics.

Brendan had a short interview with Guest of Honour Joe Gough, who at the tender age of 71 is a huge inspiration to us all. He shared valuable insights and inspiration, explaining his passion and dedication to the sport.

Following the meal Joe presented the awards and once the formalities concluded, the celebration truly began as attendees hit the dance floor, filling the room with energy and joy that carried well into the early hours. It was a fantastic night of recognition, camaraderie, and celebration, marking another memorable chapter for Offaly Athletics. Well done everyone!!