Sligo Sports Awards 2017
OSD are delighted to launch the mobile responsive website for the Sligo Sports Awards 2017. The ceremony will be held at the Radisson Blu on 9th March 2017 hosted by Niall Quinn. Leading up to the awards, our digital team has posted daily on our Facebook page our Top 10 moments in Sligo sports. This is our Top 10 Sligo Sports moments.
1. The Warriors Run – Inception 1985
Every summer the Warriors Run is a big event in the Sligo calendar for the runners, spectators and Strandhill locals. Starting at the canon on the Strandhill beachfront, it’s a 15 km run, 6 km of which is up a mountain.
Yes, there are those who would say that walking up Knocknarea is difficult enough but the Warriors not only run uphill but then around the Queen Maeve cairn and then back down again.
Having endured since the mid 80’s the Warriors Run can truly take its place at number 1 in our Top 10 Sligo Sporting Moments. For the organisers and volunteers who put the show on the road much respect and keep up the good work. A big thank you to all the Warriors past and present.
2. Mark Scanlon wins UCI World Junior Road Championship
On his 18th birthday, Sligo native Mark Scanlon with the World Junior Road Race Champion, a fantastic feat for the young man. Mark has subsequent wins at National level, winning the 2002 and 2003 National Elite Road Race. He also competed at the Tour de France in 2004.
3. Sligo GAA win Connacht Championship 2007
The Nestor Cup came back to Sligo in 2007 having last been here in 1975. None of the winning team were born the last time, the days of flared trousers and Ford Cortinas.
Tommy Breheny’s men beat Galway by a goal and two points, Eamonn O’Hara with the vital goal and Ross Donovan with a pivotal man of the match display.
4. Brother Walfrid founded Glasgow Celtic 1888
Born in Ballymore in 1840, Andrew Kerins moved to Scotland in the 1870s became a teacher and was know as Brother Walfrid after joining the Marist Brothers. He founded
He founded Celtic Football Club and an eternal love between Ireland and Celtic was born.
5. Mary Cullen wins bronze medal at 2009 European Indoors
North Sligo athlete won a bronze medal in the 3000 metres at the European Indoor Championships, Turin in 2009.
Mary disappointed having not made it to Beijing in 2008 was very happy with her time of 8:48:47
6. Ciarán Kelly penalty shoot out hero 2010 & 2011
Sligo Rovers beat Shamrock Rovers in the 2010 FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium in front of over 36 thousand supporters. It went to penalties and Ciarán Kelly was the main man saving four penalties, a spectacular feat which brought the FAI Cup to rest along side the League Cup for the Bitored.
Those penalty shoot out heroics can’t be mentioned without adding that Ciarán did it again in 2011. Rovers drew with Shelboure at full time and extra time.
Shortly before the whistle blew, Paul Cook brought Ciarán Kelly on as a substitute and a chill went through Shels. Ciarán this time saved two penalties and Rafael Cretaro netted the winner, another glorious day at Landsdowne.
7. Coolera/Strandhill win their first Championship in 98 years
1907 pre dates both World Wars, the Titanic and the invention of the televison. It was also the year that Coolera/Strandhill won the Sligo Senior Football championship.
2005 saw a 98 year hiatus end, when Coolera beat Curry by one point, scores from John McPartland, Keiran Quinn, Tony Watters and Karol O’Neill. A near century long wait was savoured by winners at Markievicz Park.
8. Clodagh Murray swims the English Channel in under 11 hours 2016
34 km, freezing conditions and throw in jellyfish for good measure, Sligo native Clodagh Murray swims the English Channel in August 2016. Clocking in a time of 10 hours and 51 minutes,
Clodagh who at the time was in her final year in Trinity College became the second fastest woman to swim the Channel.
9. Gearoid McDaid becomes the Open Champion 2015
At aged 20 Gearoid McDaid becomes the Open Champion at the 2015 Irish National Surf Championships, Gearoid from Sligo defeated defending champion Stephen Kilfeather in a tightly fought final at Tullan Strand.
It was quite a year for Gearoid, becoming and ambassador for Nissan Generation Next and getting sponsorship with Rip Curl.
10. Sligo – European town of sport 2014
Sligo was officially awarded European Town of Sport 2014 by the President of the European Capitals and Cities of Sport Federation, Mr. Gian Francesco Lupattelli, at a special presentation ceremony in Brussels in November 2013.
The Mayor of Sligo, Councillor Marcella McGarry, accepted the award on behalf of Sligo Borough Council and its partner agencies in the application, Sligo County Council, Sligo Sport & Recreation Partnership and I.T. Sligo.
Great events like the Junior Mugendo Association of Ireland Kickboxing Open Championship, Hockey Blitz and the Connacht Cross Country Mountain Bike Spring League at Union Wood. The town and county is buzzing with sport in 2014.
