Coghlan to be honoured with inaugural Doyle award

THE annual Canon Hayes National Sports Awards in Tipperary will incorporate a new category this year in memory of the late international rugby player and coach, Mick Doyle.

Doyle was a member of the judging panel until his untimely death last May. The organisers of the award scheme decided to add “The Mick Doyle Golden Memory Award” to the four regular categories as a mark of respect. And it is fitting that the initial winner should be Eamon Coghlan.

Coghlan is remembered as the greatest indoor middle distance runner in history and he was dubbed ‘The Master of the Boards’ when he was at his peak on the American circuit. This year marked the 21st anniversary of his memorable 5,000m win in the World Championships in Finland.