Mayo Young Sports Stars: Talented teen from war-torn region made a big impact in a short space of time

Dmitriy Kushko is an 18-year-old from Kharkiv in eastern Ukraine, now living in Ballyhaunis in east Mayo.

Dmitriy has won various club competitions at Ballyhaunis Table Tennis Club, and has also won the Irish Rapid Chess Championship in July 2022. He competes frequently in chess tournaments and hopes for a long-term professional career in the game.

Since arriving in Ballyhaunis in May last year, Dmitriy and his grandfather Vadym have impressed many at Ballyhaunis Table Tennis Club with their skill and generous dedication to coaching others.

For making a big impact in a short period of time, Dmitriy is a worthy winner of a merit award this year.

His award will be presented at The Connaught Telegraph Young Sports Stars of the Year ceremony this evening (Friday) in Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar.