Bandon Athletic held its annual Award Ceremony recently at the GAA Pavilion in Bandon. The Awards were presented by long time Club Member Joe OSullivan who was taken by surprise as the final presentation of the night, the Hall of Fame Award went to himself for his many achievements on the track, road and in Cross Country since the mid 1970s. Coach John ODonovan took the Club Person of the Year Award with Liz Coomey again winning the Masters Award. It was a family affair for the McSweeney siblings with Patrick winning the overall Track and Field award and Laura taking the U19 Track and Field award. Carmel Crowley again took the Cross Country Award. The Presidents Award went to Fiachra Harrington. This particular award goes to a younger club member who makes an overall contribution to the club across its various activities including demonstrating leadership skills. The following were also awarded: Cross Country Aisling Everard U19, Gerard Crowley U15, Carina Crowley U13, Gráinne Mulcahy U11 and Brendan Twohig U9. Track and Field Erin Kingston U15, Carla Hicks U13, Niamh Sugrue & Cora Ní Gallchóir U11and Ruairí Harrington & Max Hallahan U9. The awards in the various categories are adjudicated on a points system, with points being scored for placings at County, Munster, All Ireland and International level.

There was also a presentation of Certificates to a number of athletes in recognition of their performance in International competition during 2011. Joe OSullivan, who made the presentation, commented that it was wonderful to see so many International athletes from the club together. Honoured on the night, were Bobby Smith, Colin Kingston, Laura McSweeney, Phil Healy, Joan Healy, Róisín Howard and Eric Stam. Joan Healy was also recognised for her achievement in qualifying and competing in the European Junior Championships in Tallinn, Estonia in July 2011. She has represented the country with distinction internationally over the last number of years. She was also one of five athletes selected for the national 4 x 100 relay team which it was hoped would qualify to compete in this years Olympic Games in London. Joans events are the 60m, 100m and 200m. She is currently studying Physical Education in UCC. Well done to all of the above athletes on their considerable achievements.

The next major event on the Clubs calendar is the forthcoming Half Marathon and 10K road races scheduled for Saturday 12th May. This is another joint fundraising venture with Bandon Rugby Club. Registration is open on the website www.bandonhalfmarathon.com where full details of every aspect of the races can also be found.