Westport AC athletes honoured at awards ceremonies

WESTPORT AC had a successful start to the year where local talent was recognised at both the Mayo and Connacht Athletic Awards.

At the B&J Chambers Mayo Athletics County Board Awards in Ballina hosted by Moy Valley Athletics Club, five individuals from the club won awards in recognition of their contribution to the sport in Mayo.

The Special Achievement award went to Padraig Corduff, Ethan Doherty and Holly Renton were recognised for winning national cross country medals. Freya Renton won an outstanding achievement award while May Duckett also received an award for being part of the Mayo Under 13 successful girls cross country team along with Freya Renton and Holly Renton.

Padraig Corduff and Ethan Doherty were again honoured for being part of the successful Mayo Under 17 boys cross country team. Holly and Freya Renton were also recognised for their part in being instrumental to the success of the Under 13 and Under 14 Connaught girls cross country teams.

On Saturday, January 21, at the Connacht Awards, athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan presented Westport ACs Freya Renton with an award for winning Cross Country Athlete of the Year and Under 14 Athlete of the Year. It was wonderful to see athletics and the commitment of local athletes being recognised and celebrated within our region. Having such a renowned national hero like Sonia present the reward was incredible.

Huge congratulations to Ethan Doherty who represented Ireland last month in Perth, Scotland, in the UK cross country challenge. Ethan came 17th (Under 17), in an extremely challenging and tough race. A great start to the year for a great club.