Swimming president honoured with May Sports Star award

ATHLONE swimming official Patricia Cleary has been chosen as the Westmeath Independent Sports Star of the Year for the month of May. The award is recognition for Patricia's elevation during the month of May to the position of President of Swim Ireland, the governing body of swimming in Ireland. Patricia is well known throughout the Midlands and Ireland for her sterling contribution to swimming both in the local region and on a nationwide basis, and has been involved with swimming in Athlone for over 25 years.

Originally from Dublin, Patricia moved to Athlone 39 years ago and has been a key member of Athlone Swimming Club for many years. She served previously on the Swim Ireland Board of Directors as a delegate for Connacht for twelve years and her promotion to President of the organisation means Patricia is a worthy recipient of the award for May. Speaking about her position as President of Swim Ireland and this latest accolade, Patricia said she is 'honoured' to be recognised by the Westmeath Independent.

She said: 'I was absolutely thrilled to bits to be firstly nominated by my fellow Connacht delegates to go forward for President of Swim Ireland and then to be elected was great. I feel my election is a great honour for both myself and Athlone Swimming Club. I am also delighted to receive the Westmeath Independent Sports Star of the Year award for May.

It was a major surprise when I got news of the award but it was a really terrific surprise.' Swim Ireland is the governing body of swimming in Ireland and is operated by a voluntary board of directors who are democratically elected by the club members making nominations to and voting on the candidates at the Swim Ireland Annual General Meeting. Patricia is due to hold the position of President of the organisation for a year.