Young Sports Stars of the Year Award winner No. 12: Michaela Walsh

Michaela Walsh, the next monthly winner to feature in the list of Young Sports Stars of the Year Award list, had another phenomenal year in 2018.

She shared the award in August but in truth could have been included in any number of months for her outstanding achievements at national and international level.

Having completed the Leaving Certificate, the Swinford athlete is now studying in DCU and has her sights set on Olympic qualification.

In the National Under 23 Outdoor Championships she once again hammered it home, winning gold in the hammer and extending the Irish Under 23 record by 35cm.

August saw the talented athlete move up the ranks once again to compete at the highest level at the National Senior Outdoor Championships in Dublin.

Having had an outstanding record of winning every national title in both the shot put and hammer since the ago of 10, Michaela made history for her club and county by winning double gold at the senior championships, something no athlete in Mayo had ever done before.