A busy August saw multiple winners claim awards
There were multiple winners again in August in The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sports Stars Awards.
A European bronze medal and three Irish titles is not bad at any age, but when you have achieved this much at just 12 years of age it would suggest someone who has talent to burn.
Those who know boxer Carlagh Peake are aware of the dedication she puts into her sport as she is mentally tough - and to be successful in boxing, toughness surely goes a long way when those legs begin to tire in the ring and those doubts start to creep into your mind.
In August, Carlagh secured a European bronze medal in Tbilisi, Georgia, at the European Boxing Championships. She was one of only three Irish girls in her age to qualify and was automatically awarded a bronze medal. However, she was very unfortunate not to bring home at least a silver as she lost out to Irish champion, Sophie Harker, in a fight many felt the Ballyhaunis boxer should have been awarded, but that’s sport for you – you may not always get what you deserve. The experience will stand to this brave young boxer from Ballyhaunis in any event.
It was a month to remember as well for Kiltimagh duo Dayna Finn and Maggie Byrne once again did their town, county and country proud on the international stage, creating history as Ireland claimed bronze at the FIBA Under 20 Women’s European Basketball Division B Championships in Kosovo.
It was a tough European event for the Irish team but the effort was all the more worthwhile as they defeated Britain (60-57) to claim the bronze medal position and the added bonus of promotion next season.
European success at this level is a huge achievement and demands massive sacrifices but given the exploits of these two ladies at national and international level in the past, it came as no great surprise. Back in 2017 they won European silver at Under 18 level and their decision to continue on playing for Ireland, which involves enormous sacrifices physically, mentally and indeed financially, is an indication of just how dedicated Dayna and Maggie are to their sport.
Our fourth winner for August is Gaelic footballer Danielle Caldwell. The Mayo ladies team produced some fine performances throughout 2019 both in the league and championship and while many of the senior players in the panel were to the fore in many of their great victories, it was Caldwell, a relative newcomer, who stole the show throughout the year.
Such were her many outstanding performances in the league and championship that she received numerous player of the match awards. It came as no surprise when she was nominated for an All-Star Award, but it was a surprise when she wasn’t selected as one of the 15 winners, given her form throughout the year.