Galway’s first Olympian enters Hall of Fame

Date Published: 07-Jan-2010

A NATIVE of Oughterard, Cummin Clancy is a former national discus champion and record holder who became the first Galway person to represent Ireland in the Olympics when competing in his chosen discipline in the 1948 world showcase in London.

He was subsequently offered a place at the renowned Villanova University in the United States … and by doing so blazed the trail for other athletes to follow suit in the ensuing years. These included 1956 Olympic 1,500m gold medallist Ron Delaney, who was to become a good friend of Cummin.

It is fitting that Galway’s first ever Olympian should be honoured in a year when one Galway athlete and 2012 London Olympic hopeful set the world alight with her magnificent performance at the World Championships in Berlin.

Loughrea’s Olive Loughnane became only the fourth Irish athlete in history to return from the World Championships with a medal when she clocked a season’s best time to finish in second place in the 20km Walk back in August. She deservedly picks up the Athletics Sports Stars Award.

Others to be honoured on the night will be Galway BC’s Patrick Corcoran (Boxing), The Jes and Connacht’s Aaron Conneely (Rugby), The Bish and Galway United’s ger hanley (Soccer), Moycullen’s Cian Nihill (Basketball), Tribesmen’s RC’s Lisa Dilleen (Rowing), Arsenal’s Niamh Fahey (Ladies Soccer), Craughwell jockey Alain Cawley (horse Racing) and All-Ireland squash champion John Rooney (Racquets).

In the world of gaelic games, Galway captain Ollie Canning receives the hurling Award, while Corofin’s Joe Canney is the recipient of the Gaelic football Award. Indeed, it is a double for Corofin as Tina Hughes is the choice for Ladies football accolade. All Star Ann Marie Hayes is the Camogie winner, while Moycullen’s Martin Mulkerrins has secured the Handball Award.

Craughwell high jumper and national junior champion Cathriona Farrell – who came so close to winning a medal at the European Youth Olympics in Finland – is recognised with a Special Achievement Award, while hardworking Galway Football Board Chairman John Joe Holleran is feted with a Special Dedication accolade.

Meanwhile, All-Ireland club champions Portumna receive the Team of the Year Award, while it is also a double for the town of Portumna as the local golf club secures the Club of the Year statuette.

Manager of the Year is Mattie Murphy, after he guided the Galway minors to a superb All Ireland final victory over Kilkenny last September. It was his fifth time to do so.

• See full coverage on pages 46 and 47.