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.

The awards scheme is recognised as one of the top celebrations of its kind. The celebration will be held tomorrow in Aherlow House Hotel, Tipperary, where the awards will be presented by Pat O’Neill, Chairman of the Irish Sports Council. The guest speaker will be Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland.

The winners of the other awards will not be revealed before the function and the shortlist of nominees is as follows:

Local Award: Timothy Dalton, the Golden/Éire Óg Anacarty senior hurling team and Kilfeacle U18 rugby team.

County Award: Kevin Babington, Carrick Utd AFC and Denis Leamy.

National: Gordon D’Arcy, Andy Lee and the Tipperary camogie team.

Outstanding Achievement Award: Shelbourne FC.