Sports Awards

Sports Stars shine at two Awards ceremonies

The staff and students who participate in the University's many sports teams were recognised at two separate Sports Awards recently. The annual Sports Awards recognised sporting performance, leadership and participation across a wide range of sports, as well as those that contribute to the running and development of the Clubs. This year an additional ceremony, the GAA Player of the Year Awards, was held to honour the outstanding players who participated on behalf of NUI Galway teams during the past third-level GAA season.

The winners from both Awards ceremonies are listed in full below.

Speaking after the Sports Awards, Kathy Hynes, Development Officer, Sports Clubs and Participation said: “Each year NUI Galway recognises the outstanding contribution of student athletes across many diverse sporting disciplines for their achievements in sport. This year’s awards ceremony extended to reflect not only the achievements of students in terms of performance sport but also the contribution of the clubs to campus life and the importance of participation in sport and exercise. Five such awards were awarded to reflect this important contribution to university life.”

The University's GAA Officer Michael O’Connor described the Player of the Year Awards as being "part of NUI Galway GAA's increased involvement with the community and the players that represent the University." He added: "NUI Galway is also involved in the sponsorship of Man of the Match Awards in all Connacht hurling and football finals at second level to help showcase the best Gaelic games talent and highlight the games that take place at this level.”

Pictured receiving the Inaugural Tom Tuohy Memorial Award for Achievement in Rowing is Robert O’Callaghan from Galway City, with Tom Tuohy’s daughter Emer. The Tom Tuohy memorial award remembers one of Ireland’s greatest ever rowing coaches who contributed to the NUI Galway boat club for 30 years.

2013 Sports Award Winners:

Individual Awards

Archery: Darren Wallace from Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Ladies Soccer: Jennifer Byrne from Ballinsloe, Co. Galway

Cricket: Waqar Ul Hassan from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Pool and Snooker: Stephen Darren Dempsey from Monaghan Town

Swimming, Lifesaving and Waterpolo: Kevin McGlade from Galway City

Hurling: Kevin Moynihan from Ennis, Co. Clare

Camogie: Orlaith Duggan from Clooney, Co. Clare

Men’s Gaelic Football: Ciaran McDonald from Aherlow, Co. Tipperary

Hockey: Síle Johnson from Bandon, Co. Cork

Tom Tuohy Award for Achievement in Rowing: Rob O’Callaghan from Galway City

Kickboxing: Des Leonard from Riverstown, Co. Sligo

Team Winners    

Team Award - Archery Club       

Team Award - Swimming and Lifesaving Team

Team Award - Mystics (Ladies Basketball)

Team Award - Volleyball Club   

Most Improved Club: Ladies Soccer Club

Outstanding Recreation Participation Award: Futsal winners "Fresh N Cool"

Club Captains Award: Surf Club - Captain Gráinne Conway from Westport, Co. Mayo

Special Achievement Award: Hannah Smith from Ennis, Co. Clare, past Captain and now secretary of Women’s Rugby Club

Leadership Alumni Award: Joint winners – Table Tennis Club and Surf Club

Aisling Dunphy from Graigue Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny receives the Camogie Player of the Year Award from Galway GAA hurling committee representative Joe Byrne.

2012-13 NUI Galway GAA Player of the Year Awards:

Fresher A Football: Lee Cullen from Bellanleck, Co. Fermanagh

Fresher B Football: Ger McWalter from Foxford, Co. Mayo

Fresher C Football: Éanna Bane from Caherlistrane, Co.  Galway

Junior Football: Joint winners - Paddy Collins from Breaffy, Co. Mayo and Ruardhí McLoughlin from Carrick on Shannon, Co. Leitrim

Intermediate Football: Kieran O’Donnell from the Aran Islands, Co. Galway

Senior Football: Shane Nally from Garrymore, Co. Mayo

Fresher A Hurling: David Reidy from Ennis, Co. Clare

Fresher B Hurling: Hannan Iqbal from Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo

Intermediate Hurling: Eoin O’Farrell from Blackpool, Cork

Senior Hurling: Joseph Cooney from Bullaun, Co. Galway

Camogie: Aisling Dunphy from Graigue Ballycallan, Co. Kilkenny

Fresher Ladies Football: Emer Gallagher from Termon, Co. Donegal

Lynch Cup Ladies Football: Michelle Guinan from Tullamore, Co. Offaly

O’Connor Ladies Football: Ciara Hegarty from Moville, Co. Donegal

Special Merit Awards: Conor Cleary from Kilmaley, Co. Clare (Dual Fresher); Kevin McMahon from Marino, Co. Dublin (Dual Fresher); Gordon Joyce from Fairhill, Cork City (Dual Fresher); Dinny Mulvey from Butlersbridge Co. Cavan (Junior Football Manager); Maureen Heneghan from Portstewart, Co. Derry (Camogie); Rebecca Towey from Ballaghadeeren, Co. Mayo (Ladies Football); and Byran O’Loughlin from Kilmaley Co. Clare (Intermediate Hurling).