Mayo AC present recognition awards to Pauline Moran and Colette Tuohy

Pauline Moran is presented with her award by Tom Hunt PRO, with Club Chairman John Byrne

At the conclusion of their successful Intersport Elverys 5k Series in Foxford this evening, Mayo AC held a very enjoyable post race function at the Moy Hotel.

There was a wonderful atmosphere in the function room – full of excited conversations as finishers and supporters reflected on the final race and the whole series. It was an opportunity for all who took part to celebrate the end of the Series, and the achievements of all the runners who competed.

At the function the club Committee were joined by the 5k Series committee, event organisers, volunteers and supporters, and most importantly finishers from the four races.

Mayo AC took the opportunity to recognise the achievements of two of the club’s greatest athletics ambassadors of recent years – Pauline Moran and Colette Tuohy.

Mayo AC Club Chairman John Byrne welcomed all present. He said he was delighted with how the series went.

“It’s great to have a room full of athletics people present to witness two club presentations.”

John Byrne said “Pauline Moran has had a brilliant career in masters athletics – so far! The club want to recognise this, and in particular for her amazing achievements at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Toruń Poland in April.

Pauline won six medals in Torún- a unique achievement in one championship event – notwithstanding a World championships.

He outlined her total World Masters medal haul over the space of six days:

Three gold – 3000m, 8k cross-country, 10k in a PB; one team gold cross-country, one silver half-marathon in a PB, and one team silver half-marathon.

A phenomenal performance by any standard.

Congratulations Pauline!

Colette Tuohy (on right) received her award from Club Secretary Maria Kneafsey, with John Byrne

The second presentation was to Colette Tuohy.

John Byrne said “Colette is the heartbeat of the club. She is full of energy and enthusiasm and her influence on everyone in the club is invaluable.

She’s always available to help out.

Colette is a very busy woman who seems to fit a week’s work into every day. If anyone can use the excuse of being too busy to help it’s Colette but she never refuses”.

Colette has combined her various initiatives and support work with a very successful medal winning athletics career.

She’s the driving force (literally!) behind the women’s formidable medal winning F50 team.

Like Pauline, Colette fully deserves the recognition award presented by the club and is an inspiration to all.

Congratulations Colette!