Mark English is 2022 Donegal Sports Star of the Year

Mark English has been crowned as the overall Donegal Sports Star of the Year for 2022.

The European 800m bronze medalist, who runs out of Finn Valley AC, was named as the winner before a packed house at the Mount Errigal Hotel on Friday night.

English took bronze at the European Championships in August, clocking 1:45.19 in Munich.

In June, he ran 1:44.76 - the fastest championship 800m in history by an Irish athlete - at the World Championships.

On Friday night, English staved off competition from a shortlist that also included Amber Barrett, Catriona Jennings, Dylan Browne-Monagle, Emma Doherty and Niamh McLaughlin. , 

English also scooped the overall award in 2014 and 2015.

The 29-year-old was unable to be present as he races in Sweden on Saturday evening in a season-opening 800m.

In a video message to the awards - where the special guest was former Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given - English said winning the overall award was a ‘truly humbling experience’.

“I am so grateful to be included along with so many other talented and accomplished athletes,” English, whose award was collected by his father Joe, said.

“I would like to thank the Donegal Sports Star Awards committee for recognising my achievements over the past year.

“To be recognised by your own community for the hard work you’ve done is truly a gratifying experience.”

European Cross Country junior silver medalist Seán McGinley of Finn Valley AC and rising Buncrana football ace Jodie Loughrey - the Irish U16 player of the year in 2022 - were joint winners of the Junior Award.

Amber Barrett was given an Historic Achievement accolade in recognition of scoring the goal that secured the Republic of Ireland women’s team a first ever qualification for the World Cup.

In October, the Milford woman scored in a 1-0 win over Scotland at Hampden Park to seal a place at this summer’s finals.

Letterkenny AC’s Catriona Jennings picked up the International Achievement Award for her remarkable endurance running successes on both the European and World stages.

Donegal Bay Rowing Club stalwart Patrick Brady who will receive the Appreciation Award and Mark Devir from Manor - who will captain the six-man Irish team at the 2023 World Boat Championships - collected the sea angling award.

Jamie Griffin from Convoy, who was crowned the champion of the ‘Battle of the Berrics’ World Challenge in LA, took the skateboarding prize.

Dungloe siblings Shaun Sharkey and Helena Melly were given a Sporting Acknowledgment having won national titles and represented Ireland at the World Pool finals.

This was the 47th staging of the Donegal Sports Star Awards and the first in-person since 2019.

“It’s great to be back at a live Donegal Sports Star Awards function,” Ms Grace Boyle, the Donegal Sports Star Awards Chairperson, said..

“We have had a full programme of sport this year after the pandemic disruptions so it’s great to see nearly all the old categories back on the list.

“I want to congratulate all those that have been nominated for awards tonight. That is a great achievement in itself.”

Councillor Liam Blaney, the Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council told how his father, Harry, was a founder member of these awards.

He said: “It is something special and will be a great memory for years to come.

“Success is a big part of this function, it is also about participation in activities that are good for the body and the mind - which is why the Donegal County Council are delighted to be associated.”

John McLaughlin, the Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, hailed the diversity and and inclusiveness of the awards.

He said: “The Council is a long-time sponsor and we are very proud of that.

“Sport is huge in Donegal and the work this committee does is so important.”

2022 Donegal Sports Star Awards

Overall: Mark English (Finn Valley AC)

Junior: Jodie Loughrey (Buncrana) and Sean McGinley (Finn Valley AC)

Hall of Fame: Ian McGarvey (Swilly)

Brendan McDaid Memorial Special Achievement: Shane McCauley (Lifford)

Historic: Amber Barrett (Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team)

International Achievement: Catriona Jennings (Letterkenny AC)

International Recognition: Loughros Point Rowing Club

Special Recognition: Lee McColgan (Cockhill Celtic)

Special Recognition: Matthew McCole (Illies Golden Gloves)

Appreciation: Patrick Brady (Donegal Bay Rowing Club)

Athletics: Mark English (Finn Valley AC)

Badminton: Rachael Darragh (Raphoe)

Basketball: Killian Gribben (Letterkenny Blaze)

Boxing: Brett McGinty (St Johnston)

Club: Bonagee United FC

Coach/Manager: Rory McShane (Letterkenny Boxing Club)

Equestrian: Dylan Browne-McMonagle (Letterkenny)

Gaelic Football: Niamh McLaughlin (Moville)

Golf: Ryan Griffin (Rosapenna Golf Club)

Hockey: James Corry (Lisnagarvey Hockey Club)

Martial Arts: Darragh Kelly (Moville)

Motorcycling: Richard Kerr (Kilmacrennan)

Motorsport: Eamonn Kelly (Frosses)

Para Athlete: Catherine Grier (Ramelton)

Powerlifting: Paulina Coleman (Finn Valley Vikings)

Primary School (Large): Scoil Naomh Bríd, Muff

Primary School (Small): Scoil Na Croise Naofa, Dunfanaghy

Primary School Boy: Pádraig Mac Harlaigh (Scoil Náisiúnta, Ghort a’Choirce)

Primary School Girl: Faela Houston (Acres NS, Burtonport)

Primary School Teacher: Eilís McClafferty (Scoil Cholmcille, Letterkenny)

Rowing: Patrick Boomer (Loughros Point Rowing Club)

Sea Angling: Mark Devir (Manorcunningham)

Secondary School: Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana

Secondary School Boy: Fintan Dewhirst (St Columba’s, Glenties)

Secondary School Girl: Lucy McGlynn (Coláiste Cholmcille, Ballyshannon)

Secondary School Teacher: Michael Kelly (St Eunan’s College)

Skateboarding: Jamie Griffin (Convoy)

Soccer: Emma Doherty (Buncrana)

Special Athlete: Meg Carr (Letterkenny), Anna Hennessy (Letterkenny) and Emily Reid (Donegal Town)

Sporting Acknowledgement: Shaun Sharkey and Helena Melly

Surfing: Maia Monaghan (Rossnowlagh Surf Club)

Swimming: Mona McSharry (Ballyshannon Marlins Swim Club)

Team: Donegal Bay Rowing Club U19 Junior Women’s Double Scull Beach Sprints Team