IT’S a bitter sweet day for Donegal’s athletes.
Donegal County Council says it will host a Civic Reception next Monday to honour the Olympians and Paralympians from County Donegal who represented Ireland at the London 2012 Games.
But many athletes have had their funding slashed – or in some cases not given any funding at all, like rising star Mark English.
Those being honoured on Monday include:
Brendan Boyce from Milford Co. Donegal, who competed in the Mens 50K walk race and finished 29th at the London games in a time of 3 hours, 55 minutes and 1 seconds.
Catriona Jennings from Letterkenny Co. Donegal who competed in the womens marathon. Despite suffering from plantar fasciitis, Catriona bravely finished the marathon in a time of 3hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds.
Chloe Magee from Raphoe, Co. Donegal competed in the ladies singles badminton and won her first game but unfortunately, lost out in her second game. Chloe has received many accolades throughout her career to date and is ranked among the best in the world.
Tori Pena born in Los Alamitos, California and with her maternal grandmother Angela McCoy (née Coyle) being from Derry, Tori was eligible for dual nationality and to compete for Ireland. She acquired her dual citizenship in June 2010 and declared for Ireland, joining Finn Valley Athletic Club in Donegal. She competed in the indoor pole vault in the London 2012 games.
Daniel Magee, brother of Chloe Magee, was the Badminton Team Manager during the London 2012 games and has been recently appointed Irelands High Performance coach by Badminton Ireland.
Patsy McGonagle, well known for his contribution to athletics not only in Donegal but at a national level, was the Athletics Irish Team Manager during the London 2012 games. Patsy was also the Irish Track and Field Manager at the Sydney and Beijing Olympic Games.
Anne Marie McDaid from Ramelton represented Ireland in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Anne Marie is a product of the ‘Paralions Talent Identification programme and rows in the bow seat for the LTA mixed coxed four. Anne Marie played a key role in the crews success in the London 2012 games when they finished 4th in the B final.
Rena McCarron Rooney from Buncrana, Co. Donegal competed in table tennis competitions in the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Rena has been very successful securing the Irish and Costa Rican Open title in 2011 and received a bronze in the European Championships and a silver in the US Open.
The Mayor, elected members and staff of the Council will be joined by these Olympians and Paralympians and invited guests, at this special event that will recognise the achievements of these elite athletes and their contribution to their sport.
Mayor of Donegal, Cllr. Frank McBrearty is delighted to be in a position to host this event saying “the Olympians and Paralympians from County Donegal who represented Ireland at the London 2012 games have brought great pride to the county. They are great role models for people in Donegal and in particular for our children and young people. They have represented Ireland and competed in the ‘greatest games on earth’ and their commitment, hard work, dedication and endurance to achieve at the highest levels is an inspiration to all of us”.
Each individual will receive a specially commissioned piece by Fiontonn Gogarty and will be presented with a special scroll marking the occasion of this Civic reception.