University of Galway celebrates triumphs of students and sporting clubs

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Michael Malone
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At the 38th University of Galway Sports Awards were (back row, l-r): Feargal O’Callaghan, Head of Performance at University of Galway with Kara McCleane, Lauren McMahon, Chole Singleton, Naoise O’Donnell, Eamonn Kavanagh, Ciro Prisco, Muireann O’Reilly, Jarlath Niland, and Shauna Brennan.

The triumphs of athletes, sports clubs and coaches at University of Galway over the past year have been celebrated at its 38th annual Sports Awards.

During the ceremony, the University presented 14 awards recognising sporting performance, leadership and participation, as well as those that contribute to the running and development of the University’s clubs.

The awards ranged from Sports Person of the Year, Most Improved Club and University Honours Awards.

Highlights of University of Galway success in the past year include students representing Ireland or Irish University teams in eight different sports, and All-Irelands in Basketball and Rowing.

University of Galway is now home to 45 active sports clubs, which are student-led and organised, with more than 6,000 students participating in sport and activity daily at the University.

Kara McCleane, from Kilcannon, Co. Galway, received the Individual Performance of the Year – Female from Feargal O’Callaghan, Head of Performance at University of Galway.

President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, commended each of the awardees.

He said that the University values and respects the ongoing success of students and alumni, and the clubs and coaches that have helped them along the way.

Feargal O’Callaghan, Head of Performance at University of Galway, presents the Individual Performance of the Year – Male to golfing legend Liam Nolan from Barna, Co. Galway.

“These awards reflect not only the excellence of our students in terms of performance sport but also the contribution of the clubs to campus life and the importance of openness and participation in sport and exercise for the wellbeing of all our students and the public good more generally,” he said.

Jarlath Niland accepts the University Honours Award on behalf of his son Evan Niland from Feargal O’Callaghan, Head of Performance at University of Galway.

2023 Sports Award Winners

Team Awards

Best Event of the Year: Surf Club 

Club of the Year: Rowing Club

Most Improved Club: Camogie Club

Team of the Year – Female: Women’s Soccer Team

Team of the Year – Male: Fresher Hurlers, Hurling Club 

Individual Awards

Club Captain of the Year: Lauren McMahon from Milford, Co. Donegal (Sailing)

Coach of the Year: Ciro Prisco from Italy (Rowing)

Individual Performance of the Year – Female: Kara McCleane from Kilcannon, Co Galway (Basketball)

Individual Performance of the Year – Male: Liam Nolan from Barna, Co Galway (Golf – South American Amateur Championship winner)

Sports Person of the Year – Female: Naoise O’Donnell from Moycullen, Co. Galway (Triathlon)

Sports Person of the Year – Male: Brian Colsh from Ballymote, Co. Sligo (Rowing)

Unsung Hero – Niall O’Doherty from Killarney, Co. Kerry (Mountaineering)

University Honours – Evan Niland from Ardrahan, Co Galway (Hurling)

University Honours – Chloe Singleton from Athlone, Co Westmeath (Soccer)

University Honours – Ciarán Fitzgerald from Dingle, Co Kerry (Sailing, Sub Aqua, Windsurfing)

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