The Rowing Ireland Awards Ceremony at Portlaoise hit the mark so well that it raised the question as to why this was, effectively, an inaugural event.
Not all the award winners were available, and there were some technical glitches. The choices might be put out to a wider panel and to some public voting in the future. But there was a good buzz about the event – and a green tinge to the lighting!
The main picture shows award winners Siobhán McCrohan, Steven McGowan and Alison Bergin. Below, Holly Davis and her mother, Catherine Cashman, and Fergus Hannon, Athlone, with Enniskillen coach Derek Holland, who accepted the award on behalf of Thor Nilsen, who died earlier this year.
The Award Winners, in order of presentation, were:
President’s Awards
Brenda Ewing
Thor Nilsen RIP
Volunteer of Year
Michelle McDonagh
Umpire of Year
Andrew Tubman
Women in Sport Advocate
Aifric Keogh
Rowability of the Year
Steven McGowan
Up and Coming Rower of Year
Alison Bergin
Senior Female Rower of Year
Siobhán McCrohan
Senior Male Rower of Year
Fintan McCarthy
Junior Female Rower
Holly Davis
Junior Male Rower
Shane Rafferty
Coach of Year
Fergus Hannon, Athlone
Club of Year
University of Limerick
