Dual stars steal headlines at ‘Oscars’ for young Mayo athletes
Outstanding Mayo dual competitors Grace Bailey and Mark Cunningham stole the show at The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sportstars of the Year Awards on Friday at Breaffy House Hotel.
Grace, a member of Mayo's All-Ireland-winning Under 14 LGFA team in 2023 who also captured a national boxing championship title last year with Castlebar Boxing Club, was chosen as the recipient of the Melissa Patterson Memorial Cup in recognition of her remarkable double.
Mark, who helped Castlebar Celtic win Mayo Super League and Under 21 titles last year while also achieving similar success in the red and gold colours of Castlebar Mitchels, was selected the winner of the Darragh Doherty Memorial Cup in honour of his accomplishments.
It was a busy weekend for Mark the evening following the awards, he scored the opening goal in Castlebar Celtic's 3-1 win over Manulla in the club's opening fixture in the Elverys Sports Mayo Super League.
The Connaught Telegraph Mayo Young Sport Stars of the Year feted over 30 high achievers in 13 different sports ranging from Gaelic football to golf, boxing to athletics, soccer to badminton, camogie, karate, rowing, rugby, hurling, swimming and equestrian sport, the award winners aged between eight to 23.
Among the recipients were a World champion, a World Cup participant, a European championship and international medallist, a Home Nations finalist, multiple All-Ireland medal winners, national champions, a national record holder and Olympic aspirants as well as several national, provincial and county champions.
It was an occasion when the cream of the crop of Mayo’s new generation of sports achievers gathered to look back on their successes.
The award winners were selected by the members of the sports department at The Connaught Telegraph.
Mayo GAA legend Deputy Alan Dillon, the holder of two All-Star Awards, gave good advice to all the young athletes in attendance.
He stated: "Always surround yourselves with the right people, those who provide you with inspiration and drive and not those who take your energy away.
"It can be a lonely road at times because the demands, in terms of discipline and resilience, are huge. But that's what is required to achieve your goals."
Former Minister of Sport, Deputy Michael Ring, said young sports people should also appreciate the great sacrifices that their parents, guardians and club volunteers make to help them along the road.
"Sport would be nothing without its volunteers," he added.
The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Leah Gaughan of Tullaghan Bay Rowling Club, who has been an integral figure in the development and success of the Geesala club since its foundation in 2018.
Apart from competing, she is the club's public relations officer, a role she fills with dedication while studying nursing in Belfast.
She is a wonderful ambassador for Mayo sport as, indeed, are all of the award recipients.