Kellie harrington Named Irish Times/Sports Ireland Sportswoman of the Year
Table of Contents
- 1. Kellie harrington Named Irish Times/Sports Ireland Sportswoman of the Year
- 2. Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards: Recognising Excellence in 2023
- 3. Team Success
- 4. Katie taylor: Champion Once More
- 5. Lara Gillespie: October’s Standout Performer
- 6. Irish Sportswomen of the Year Honored for Exceptional Achievements
- 7. Lara Gillespie: Bouncing Back to Bronze Glory
- 8. Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly: Paralympic Golden Duo
- 9. louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh: August’s Star
- 10. All-Ireland Glory for Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Olympic Gold for Harrington
- 11. Kellie Harrington: Olympic Champion
- 12. Ciara Mageean: A Golden Performance in Rome
- 13. Rising Star Rhasidat Adeleke Wins sportswoman of the Year
- 14. Róisín Ní Riain: A Rising Star in Para Swimming
- 15. Celebrating Ireland’s Sporting Heroines
- 16. Looking Ahead
- 17. Next up is January winner Lucy Mulhall
- 18. Rugby Sevens Star lucy Mulhall Wins Sportswoman of the Year Award
- 19. Sport Ireland Honours Top Athletes for 2023
- 20. December Winner: Fionnuala McCormack
- 21. Fionnuala McCormack Crowned Sportswoman of the Year for a Second Time
- 22. Celebrating 20 Years of Sporting Excellence
- 23. Kellie Harrington Crowned Sportswoman of the Year
- 24. A Year to Remember
Double olympic champion Kellie Harrington was celebrated as the Irish Times/Sports Ireland Sportswoman of the Year in a prestigious ceremony. Harrington, who stunned audiences with her boxing prowess at the Tokyo Olympics, has continued to be a force in the sporting world.
Upon receiving the prestigious award, Harrington said, “Sometiems you have to have the lows to come back to the top, throughout the last year, people think you win the Olympics you live a glorious life, it ain’t that. it’s really tough at the top. You have the target on your back, everybody wants to take your spot. It’s really hard when you climb that mountain to come back down and climb it again. people think I might be mad, but it is indeed who I am and that’s what made me a double Olympic champion!”
Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards: Recognising Excellence in 2023
The Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards celebrated the remarkable achievements of Irish female athletes in 2023. the ceremony honored individuals and teams who pushed boundaries and inspired a nation through their dedication and talent.
Team Success
Noel O’Reilly presented the coveted team award to the triumphant trio of Katie-George dunlevy, Linda Kelly, and Eve mccrystal. McCrystal,reflecting on their silver medal achievement,expressed her satisfaction and ambition: ”It’s been so rewarding working in a team,to finish my career with a silver,we have no velodrome yet,then we’ll go for the gold.”Katie taylor: Champion Once More
Katie Taylor, Ireland’s five-time Sportswoman of the year, secured her latest victory by engaging in another epic fight against Amanda Serrano. This rematch, four years after their historic bout at Madison Square garden, captivated a crowd of over 60,000 in Arlington, Texas. Judges unanimously awarded the victory to Taylor with a score of 95-94.Lara Gillespie: October’s Standout Performer
October’s honoree, Lara Gillespie, was recognized for her exceptional accomplishments. Catherine Mahoney, director from Cycling ireland, accepted the award on Gillespie’s behalf.
A night dedicated to celebrating the achievements of exceptional irish sportswomen,the Irish Times Sportswoman of the Year Awards showcased not only athletic prowess but also the inspiring journeys of these remarkable individuals.
Irish Sportswomen of the Year Honored for Exceptional Achievements
Two remarkable Irish athletes, lara gillespie and the Paralympic duo katie-George dunlevy and Linda Kelly, have been recognized for their outstanding achievements at the recent Sportswoman of the Year awards. Their dedication,resilience,and record-breaking performances have cemented their places as beacons of inspiration in the world of sport.Lara Gillespie: Bouncing Back to Bronze Glory
Road cyclist Lara Gillespie’s journey to success has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Overcoming illness and injury,she demonstrated exceptional grit and determination,culminating in a bronze medal at the Track World Championships.
Gillespie’s impressive year included securing her place in the first Irish team pursuit squad to qualify for the Olympic Games, claiming victory in both the Giro Mediterraneo Rosa and the Antwerp Port Epic, and earning a contract that propelled her to World Tour level.
Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly: Paralympic Golden Duo
September 2024 proved to be a monumentally successful month for Paralympic cyclists Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly. In a remarkable 25-day span, the duo captured Paralympic gold and silver medals in Paris, followed by two World Championship golds in Zurich. Adding to Dunlevy’s already impressive haul, she also secured Paralympic silver alongside her long-time pilot Eve McCrystal.These achievements were particularly noteworthy considering the numerous injuries and illnesses both Dunlevy and Kelly battled throughout the year.
Reflecting on the year, Dunlevy acknowledged the challenges. “It was a tough year,” she said, recalling a collarbone fracture that raised doubts about competing in the olympics.”It was great to win the medals, and I’m grateful to Eve mccrystal for her partnership.
louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh: August’s Star
The spotlight now shifts to Louise Ní Mhuircheartaigh, the recipient of the August award.
All-Ireland Glory for Ní Mhuircheartaigh, Olympic Gold for Harrington
Miriam Ní Mhuircheartaigh and Kellie Harrington were celebrated as the ultimate champions at the recent Sportswoman of the Year awards.
Ní Mhuircheartaigh, a star of the Kerry football team, finally achieved her dream, leading her side to All-Ireland victory after a long wait. “It was special to finally win the All-Ireland,” she said.”It was a dream come true, and the feeling hasn’t worn off yet. We got our medals last Friday and we’re enjoying every second of it.” Her victory ended a 29-year drought for Kerry, solidifying her place among the greatest footballers of all time.
Kellie Harrington: Olympic Champion
Kellie Harrington, Ireland’s Olympic gold medalist, was another celebrated recipient. Harrington” etched her name in Irish sporting history when she secured Olympic gold at the Tokyo games.
Harrington was already a history maker before stepping onto the Olympic stage. “I felt a sense of relief,” she admitted.
Ciara Mageean: A Golden Performance in Rome
Despite a heartbreaking injury that forced her withdrawal from the Olympic Games, Ciara Mageean etched her name in athletics history with a stunning performance at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.Her brilliant finish in the 1,500 meters secured her a well-deserved gold medal.
This remarkable victory capped off a year of achievements for Mageean.
Rising Star Rhasidat Adeleke Wins sportswoman of the Year
Rhasidat Adeleke concluded a phenomenal year by being named Sportswoman of the Year. Adeleke’s year was marked by record-breaking performances and a trio of medals at the European Championships, firmly establishing her as one of Ireland’s most promising athletes.
The young sprinter claimed gold in the mixed 4x400m relay and silver with the women’s 4x400m relay team at the prestigious competition. Adeleke also secured a silver medal in the individual 400m event, adding to her growing collection of accolades.
Her fellow athlete, Ciara Mageean, reflected on Adeleke’s remarkable achievements, stating, “We all know the future Rhasidat will have in sport, and she will be bringing home medals.”
Mageaeen also shared her own feelings about winning gold at the European Championships: “Truly a lovely moment”. She added that she is already looking towards the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Róisín Ní Riain: A Rising Star in Para Swimming
Róisín Ní Riain, a Limerick teenager, has been making waves in the world of para swimming. Her exceptional performance at both the European Para Swimming Championships and the Paralympics solidify her position as a rising star in the sport.
Ní Riain’s remarkable success story began with a stellar performance at the European Para Swimming championships in Portugal. In April, she emerged as a dominant force, bringing home an impressive haul of five medals, including two golds. This triumph set the stage for her outstanding showing at the Paralympics.
At the Paralympic games, Ní Riain continued to shine, securing silver in the 100m backstroke and bronze in the 200m individual medley. Her achievements at both events cemented her status as a rising star in para swimming and a testament to her dedication and talent.
Celebrating Ireland’s Sporting Heroines
The 2023 Irish times Sportswoman of the Year awards celebrated the unbelievable achievements of Ireland’s top female athletes. From swimming pools to racecourses,these women have captivated the nation with their skill,determination,and inspiring performances.
The March award went to the phenomenal Rachael Blackmore, the Tipperary jockey who continues to rewrite history in the world of horse racing. Already a legend at Cheltenham, Blackmore added another chapter to her story in March, conquering the Champion Chase on Henry De Bromhead’s Captain Guinness. This victory marked the completion of Cheltenham’s prestigious Triple Crown – the Gold Cup,two Champion Hurdles,and now the Champion Chase – a testament to her extraordinary talent.
Blackmore’s mother, Eimir, accepted the award, sharing heartwarming insights into her daughter’s journey. “I can barely watch the races,” she confessed, “I just wait to the end to see the result.” Eimir recounted a delightful encounter with the Duchess of Cornwall, exclaiming, “The first thing she said to Rachael was ‘I just met your mother’!”
Looking Ahead
With February’s winner Mona McSharry already confirmed for a spotlight feature, this female-athlete party continues. McSharry’s achievements in swimming, capturing the hearts of many, will be highlighted soon.
Mona McSharry’s extraordinary journey culminated in a historic bronze medal at the Paris Olympics. Before this momentous achievement, her name already graced their monthly list of winners, recognizing her exceptional talent in the pool. Her impressive performance at the World Aquatics Championships in February, breaking the 56-second barrier in the 100m breaststroke medley relay, marked her as a force to be reckoned with.
Following her Olympic triumph, McSharry embarked on a refreshing road trip across America, savoring a well-deserved break from the intense training regimen. She expressed her excitement to return to the pool in January, eager to prepare for upcoming challenges. Reflecting on her Olympic experience, she shared that her entire family relished the unforgettable moments in Paris.As she sets her sights on the future, McSharry’s focus remains laser-sharp, with plans to excel at the world championships and the collegiate season.
Next up is January winner Lucy Mulhall
Rugby Sevens Star lucy Mulhall Wins Sportswoman of the Year Award
Rugby Sevens captain Lucy Mulhall was named Sportswoman of the Year, capping off a remarkable year for the Irish squad.Accepting the award on Mulhall’s behalf, Stacey Flood revealed that the Ferns captain was currently enjoying her honeymoon, jet-setting across America and the Dominican Republic.
Mulhall led the Sevens team to their historic first World Series gold medal in January, defeating Australia in a thrilling final after overcoming Britain in the semi-finals. She was named player-of-the-match in the final, further cementing her place as a rising star in Irish rugby. 2023 saw the Sevens side make their Olympic debut in Paris, reaching the quarter-finals.
During the awards ceremony, Dr Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland, highlighted the outstanding achievements of Irish athletes this year, noting “an awful lot to celebrate in an extraordinary year.” She emphasized the impressive medal haul, stating, “we have more then 100 medals in different championships, 500 medals in other major events” and praised the leading role women are playing in Irish sport.
“The athlete is at the heart of everything we do,” Dr May added, highlighting Sport Ireland’s commitment to athlete welfare. She expressed hope for a lasting legacy, envisioning more women in key roles within the sporting landscape in the years to come.
Sport Ireland Honours Top Athletes for 2023
Sport Ireland has announced the recipients of its prestigious monthly awards recognizing outstanding achievements by Irish athletes throughout 2023.
Dr. Una May, CEO of Sport Ireland, expressed her admiration for the athletes’ accomplishments, stating, “
December Winner: Fionnuala McCormack
The prestigious December award went to none other than Fionnuala McCormack.
Fionnuala McCormack Crowned Sportswoman of the Year for a Second Time
Irish marathon runner Fionnuala McCormack has been awarded the prestigious Sportswoman of the Year title for the second time in her distinguished career. The declaration came during a celebratory event marking the 20th anniversary of the awards.
McCormack’s remarkable year saw her achieve numerous milestones. Notably, she became the first irish woman to qualify for five consecutive Olympic Games, securing her spot at the upcoming Paris Games with a standout performance at the valencia marathon. Her dedication and resilience were further demonstrated by a near-medal finish at the European Cross country Championships, missing out on bronze by a mere 18 seconds. To cap off her incredible year, McCormack set a new personal best in marathon running.
Reflecting on her achievements, McCormack remained determined, stating, “I’m not going to wriet it off, it’s a long way to go, we’ll see!”
Celebrating 20 Years of Sporting Excellence
The ceremony, held on December 20th, marked the 20th anniversary of the Sportswoman of the Year awards. The date holds significance, symbolizing two decades of celebrating the achievements of extraordinary Irish sportswomen. Host Des Cahill welcomed Noel O’Reilly, the Sports Editor of the Irish Times, to the stage. O’Reilly highlighted the profound impact of women in Irish sport, noting that the top three most admired sportspeople in the country, according to a recent Teneo survey, are all women, whom O’Reilly termed ”heroes of Irish life.”
During his opening remarks,Cahill fondly acknowledged the previous winners present at the event,emphasizing the legacy they have built over the past twenty years. “Here’s to another 20 years of magical moments,” he declared.
