Nominations revealed for 14th annual Leitrim Sports Star Awards

The final selection of nominees for the 14th annual Leitrim Sports Star Awards, organised by the Leitrim Sports Partnership, have been revealed with outstanding individuals and teams from the county recognised for their sporting achievements over the past 12 months.

The 14th annual awards will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the prestigious Lough Rynn Castle Estate & Gardens, Mohill. The event celebrates and honours the outstanding achievements, dedication, and commitment of Leitrim’s sporting community - from athletes and coaches to volunteers, clubs, and teams.

With the final nominations in the various categories now revealed, it promises to be an incredible night of celebration with some  difficult decisions for the judging panel to make with an incredibly high standard of nominee.

Mick O’Rourke, Chairperson of Leitrim Sports Partnership Board, said “The Leitrim Sports Star Awards celebrate the very best of our sporting community - the people who inspire others, build participation, and make sport a central part of life in Leitrim. Every year, we’re reminded that behind every achievement is dedication, teamwork, and the power of sport to bring people together. As Chairperson of the Board, I wish to congratulate all the nominees, the shortlists and ultimately our winners on the night. I look forward to meeting you all on this special night of celebration for you, your clubs and our County.”

Referring to the process of picking out the nominees, Mick added “This has not been an easy job this year such has been the success of County Leitrim on many stages, pitches, and sporting arenas but it has been a very enjoyable job to consider all our sporting heroes, their accomplishments, and their individual stories.”

PARALYMPIC LEGEND JASON SMYTH THE SPECIAL GUEST FOR LEITRIM SPORTS STAR AWARDS

The Leitrim Sports Star Awards celebrate the outstanding talent, dedication, and achievements of individuals, teams, clubs, and volunteers who make sport thrive across County Leitrim. These awards recognise the athletes, the coaches who lead us, the volunteers who give so generously of their time, and the clubs and organisations that strengthen our sporting communities.

We received an exceptional number of nominations in 2025, reflecting the passion and commitment to sport across the county. Following careful consideration, we are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominees below. Join us for a fantastic evening of celebration as we recognise and honour the very best of sport in Leitrim.

The full list of nominees is as follows:

BREAKING BARRIERS AWARD

• Carrigallen GAA All Stars programme 
• Carrick RFC inclusive rugby

CLUB OF THE YEAR

• Lough Key Tri Club
• Carrick Cougars Basketball Club
• Carrick on Shannon Rowing Club
• Lough Rinn Dragon Boating Club

COACH OF THE YEAR

• Mal Guckian - Leitrim Gaels
• Becky Tiernan - Leitrim Branch of The Irish Pony Club Musical Ride Team
• Terry McManus - Glencar Manorhamilton Ladies
• Shane Ward - St Clare’s CS Manorhamilton & Leitrim Schools
• James Flynn - Allen Gaels
• Nato Zondagh - Carrick RFC

TEAM OF THE YEAR

• Glencar Manorhamilton LGFA  - Leitrim Senior FC Champions
• Aughavas - Leitrim Junior FC Champions & Connacht Finalists
• Allen Gaels - Leitrim Intermediate FC Champions
• Leitrim Gaels - Leitrim Senior FC Champions
• Drumkeerin LGFA  - Leitrim Intermediate FC Champions

JUVENILE TEAM OF THE TEAM

• Leitrim LGFA U16 - All-Ireland C FC Finalists
• Leitrim Branch of The Irish Pony Club Musical Ride Team
• St Clares CS Manorhamilton - All-Ireland & Connacht Senior C Champions
• Carrick on Shannon RFC U14 - Connacht Cup Champions
• Carrick-on-Shannon Community Schools Junior Girls - Connacht Junior B Champions
• Carrigallen Vocational School - Connacht Junior E FC Champions

SPORTS INDIVIDUAL - JUNIOR

• Zoe Szemendrey - Martial Arts
• Jack Kelly - Gaelic Football
• Charlie McDermott - Darts
• Alan O'Beirne - Weightlifting
• Senan McGowan - Gaelic Football

SPORTS INDIVIDUAL - SENIOR

• Ricki Wynne - Mountain & Trail running
• Eilish O’Dowd - Ladies Football
• Kevin Mcweeney - Pool
• Liam McNamee - Rugby
• Naoise McManus - Boxing & Gaelic Football
• Fintan Earley - Rowing
• Eddie McGowan - Pool

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

• Fiona Cox - Lough Key Tri Club
• Frankie Smith - Carrick Town FC
• Miceal Bohan - Fenagh LGFA G4M&O
• David Mahon - Annaduff & Leitrim Handball
• Berni Lynch - Allen Gaels GAA & St Francis LGFA
• Sinead Barber - Carrick-on-Shannon RFC