Lap of the Map the highlight of Liam Cox's sporting year in 2023

We're back to that time of the year where we look back and look forward at the same time and in the Observer sports department, we're no different! Or maybe we know what works as we return with our popular sports review of 2023 over the next few weeks.

The Leitrim Observer invited some of the county's outstanding sports people and journalists to look back over 2023, picking out their highs and lows. 

In this piece, endurance runner Liam Cox reflects on his mammoth Lap of the Map that raised funds for North West STOP and touches on the exploits of Katie Taylor, the continued excellence of Irish Rowers and swimmer Daniel Wiffen setting world records.

New York defeat a "harsh blow" for Donal Wrynn as Leitrim captain looks back over 2023

Here, in Liam’s own words, are the highs and lows of the 2023 Sporting year.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Personally, it was running the Lap of the Map this year. It was an incredible experience getting to run the coastline of Ireland but more importantly raising approximately €45,000 for an incredible local charity in North West Stop. I trained so hard all year to be ready, physically and mentally, to take on the challenge and thankfully that stood to me during the six weeks. New friendships and incredible memories made for sure!

LOWLIGHT OF THE YEAR

Probably harsh but the Irish rugby team losing against New Zealand was heartbreaking! They were exceptional all year and were probably just a bit off it against the All Blacks and the better team won. It was devastating to lose again in the quarter finals as there was no doubt that they had the ability to go all the way. We now have another four years to wait to see if they can beat the quarter final hoodoo! Leitrim losing in New York was also a low point.

PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

My favourite Irish sportsperson ever is Katie Taylor! There is an argument that she could win this every year! This year she fought Chantelle Cameron twice, after the first fight a lot of people had written her off saying that Cameron had her number, she was past her best etc. Despite now being 37 years of age and having been on the go for so long, she put in an incredible performance winning the rematch in November. More than that though she is undoubtedly an incredible role model for young people in Ireland, her dedication to the sport has been  inspiring.

TEAM OF THE YEAR

Rowing is my first sporting love so  I would have to say the Irish Rowing team! At the 2023 World Championships, Ireland went home with four medals and seven crews booked in for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024, with  one more crew potentially to qualify. In Tokyo Ireland won medals in two events which was incredible and I think in Paris there is no reason why we couldn’t match that. I believe about a third of Ireland’s team in Paris will be rowers which is remarkable and a testament to all the work being put in at grass roots level.

PERSON  THAT MADE YOU GO WOW IN 2023

Daniel Wiffen winning three gold medals and setting a world record at the European short course swimming championships in December! He seems like a superstar in the making at only 22 years of age. Not only did he win golds medals in the 400m, 800m & 1500m, he took almost 3 seconds off the 800m record that stood for 15 year’s! I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on in the Olympics in 2024. He seems like a bit of a quirky character too which we need more of in sport!

ONE THING I’D DO TO MAKE SPORT BETTER IN 2024

It’s an age-old problem but I’d love to see more funding and coverage for minority sports and its athletes. This year Athletics Ireland could only send two athletes to the Ultra Running World 24-Hour Championships due to funding issues. Rowing Ireland have also struggled to send teams to various events in the past few year’s or have had to self-fund. 

These athletes dedicate their lives to these sports and deserve proper funding from our government, I doubt too many people would have an issue with the tax payers money going to these causes. It would be great to see the bigger companies in Ireland continue to develop initiatives that sponsor and fund athletes from minority sports.

World Cup disappointment and hope for Ireland's rugby future features in Gerard Murtagh's sporting review of 2023

WHAT ARE THE BIG CHALLENGES FACING LEITRIM SPORT IN 2024?

There's no doubt that the amount of emigration of young people since COVID to the likes of Australia has had a big impact on clubs, particularly I would say on GAA teams. Funding and developing facilities will be a big challenge for clubs as always no doubt. I am really excited to see the developments in the Shannonside Recreational Campus as there is no doubt its badly needed, in particular the running track.

ONE TO WATCH IN 2024

Ricki Wynne. Despite having achieved so much already in the sport of Ultra Running, I believe Ricki is only getting started! It was brilliant to see him this year donning the green vest and representing Ireland at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Innsbruck. Ricki’s enthusiasm for the sport is infectious and I believe given his determination and dedication to the sport there is much more to come! Keep showing up Ricki!