Sports coaches share the limelight at awards

TWO of the country’s most successful sports coaches in different codes shared the limelight when they were honoured by a teachers’ union last night.

Just days ahead of Cork’s quest for All-Ireland glory, the county’s winning manager last year, Donal O’Grady, was one of the recipients of the Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) achievement awards.

The ex-coach, who won an All-Ireland medal as a Cork player in 1984, is principal of Gaelcholáiste Mhuire AG, North Monastery, in Cork city.

Eddie O’Sullivan, a former teacher at Holy Rosary College in Mountbellew, Co Galway, also received an award. Since becoming Ireland rugby coach in November 2001, he has overseen a strong rise in the team’s fortunes, most notably with last year’s Triple Crown triumph.

Another former teacher honoured by the ASTI was Patsy Toland, development education officer with Irish overseas development agency, Self Help, who previously taught at Coláiste Phádraig, Lucan in Dublin.

Daithí Ó hAodha, development education co-ordinator with Self Help and teacher at Coláiste Chríost Rí in Cork city also received an achievement award at the ceremony.

ASTI president, Sheila Parsons, said: “During a week in which the importance of social capital for Ireland’s future development has dominated the media, it is most appropriate to pay tribute to the contributions of four extraordinary teachers to the lives of young people, to local communities and to society as a whole.”

She said there is plenty anecdotal evidence about the contribution teachers make to all areas of society.

“These awards allow us to honour those members who not only play an important role in their schools and communities as teachers, but whose talent, creativity and determination have enabled them to excel in areas such as sport, charitable work, literature, music and politics.”

Since the awards began in 1996, recipients have included GAA president Sean Kelly, Sligo TD Marian Harkin, rugby referee Bertie Smith and Galway footballer Seán Óg de Paor.

“Look at any local GAA club, soccer club, drama club, political party, charity, or other community activity and you are sure to find teachers,” said Ms Parsons.

“While our award winners are now well established in their respective fields, their important contributions to society began quietly in their respective classrooms and schools.”