Awards are ‘a beacon for sporting excellence’ in Tipperary

Above: Angling award winner Dean Gates, Kilsheelan; Motorsport award winner Nicole Drought, Roscrea; Tony Wells, representing rugby award winners, Nenagh Ormond RFC; Athletics award winner Emer Brennan, Clonmel AC and John Flynn, Moyne AC, the winner of the Jimmy Cooney Lifetime Achievement award. Picture: Michael Boland 

“The Annerville Awards have, for many decades, stood as a beacon of recognition for sporting excellence in Tipperary,” John Carroll, Cathaoirleach of Tipperary County Council, stated at the presentation of the awards at the Talbot Hotel Clonmel on Saturday night last.

The awards have been presented by the Tipperary United Sports Panel for the past 66 years, and for the past 61 years they have been sponsored by Bulmers.

Cllr Carroll said that the awards “celebrate not only achievement but also the values of dedication, perseverance and community spirit that underpin amateur sport.

“Over the years, these awards have paid tribute to countless athletes who have won their club and county colours with pride, inspiring future generations and enriching the sporting heritage of Tipperary”.

Cllr Carroll acknowledged what he described as the outstanding work of the Tipperary United Sports Panel.

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“Your commitment to ensuring fairness and integrity in the selection process is commendable, and your efforts guarantee that tonight’s honourees truly represent the very best of amateur sport in our county.

“Equally, I wish to pay tribute to Bulmers for their continued sponsorship and unwavering support of this event. Your partnership exemplifies the positive impact that collaboration between business and community can have in promoting sport and fostering local pride.

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“This evening is also an opportunity to recognise the unsung heroes of sport - the volunteers. Behind every athlete and every club stands a network of dedicated individuals who give freely of their time and energy.

“Coaches, mentors, administrators and parents - your commitment sustains the very foundation of sport in Tipperary. Without your efforts, achievements such as those we celebrate tonight would simply not be possible.

“To all of tonight’s award recipients, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your achievements are a source of inspiration and a testament to the hard work and passion that define true sporting excellence. You are, without doubt, worthy ambassadors for Tipperary sport,” the county council Cathaoirleach added.