Athlone woman among University of Galway sports award winners
Athlone's Chloe Singleton was among the award recipients in the University of Galway’s 38th annual Sports Awards.
Singleton from Monksland was one of three sporting stars chosen for an University Honours award, along with Galway hurler Evan Niland and Ciarán Fitzgerald, a sailor from Kerry.
Chloe is a curent player with the Athlone Town women's team and she was part of the side which defeated Wexford Youths 3-1 last weekend, thanks to two goals from Dana Scheriff and one from Muireann Devaney.
Another local link in the University of Galway’s Sports Awards was the Male Sports Person of the Year, Brian Colsh. Rowing ace Brian from Ballymote, Co. Sligo has strong family links with Athlone.
University of Galway’s sporting community came together to celebrate the triumphs of athletes, sports clubs and coaches 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 of Galway sports clubs.
President of University of Galway, Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh, said: “We value and respect the ongoing success of our students and alumni, and the clubs and coaches that have helped them along the way. 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.”
University of Galway Director of Sport Mike Heskin said: “The Sports Awards are a celebration of sporting achievement across all codes and in the theatres of national and international sport. These performances by our students have been delivered by teams, by individuals, by final years, by first years, and in all cases by both genders. All of them have brought honour and glory, and in no small amount, joy to the University of Galway.
“I am certain that among the winners are future All Ireland winning medallists, Olympians, and someone who will who wear the green of Ireland on the international stage.
“It is an honour and a pleasure to work with and to get to know such talented individuals and we will continue to strive to provide them with all the support they need. I look forward to following their careers as they strive for their goals.”
The 2023 University of Galway Sports Awards winners are as follows.
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).
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.