Wicklow’s Finest Honoured at 2025 Athletics Star Awards

Shankill Tennis Club was the venue on Friday, 27 February 2026, as Athletics Wicklow celebrated a year of outstanding achievement at its 2025 Star Awards.

Athletes, coaches, volunteers and supporters gathered to mark an exceptional year for track and field, cross-country, road running and mountain athletics across the Garden County. The annual ceremony recognised performances at provincial, national and international level, with Wicklow athletes flying the flag in countries including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Wales.

In his address, Chairperson Bill Porter congratulated the award winners and acknowledged the broader success of Wicklow athletes who secured medals and personal bests throughout 2025, as well as the vital contribution of coaches, officials and parents.

Young Stars Shine Bright

Among the standout juvenile performers was Jessica O’Connor (Roundwood & District A.C.), winner of the Under 13–Under 16 Girls Star Award. A talented middle-distance and combined events athlete, Jessica captured Leinster and national medals in the 800m and 300m, and produced a strong fourth-place finish in the Leinster Combined Events Pentathlon.

The Under 13–Under 16 Boys Star Award went to Ethan Bramhill (Greystones & District A.C.), whose year included gold medals at the East and Leinster Schools Cross Country Championships and a silver medal at the All-Ireland Schools Cross Country. He also set a Leinster Championship Record in the U16 3000m and represented Ireland at the SIAB Schools International in Scotland.

A Special Recognition Award in the girls’ category was presented to Doireann Doyle (Bray Runners A.C.), Wicklow’s only specialist pole vaulter. Doyle broke a long-standing Leinster Championship Record indoors and secured national silver with a personal best of 2.45m.

International Stage Success

The Under 16–Under 19 Girls Star Award winner, Róisin Murray (Bray Runners A.C.), enjoyed a breakthrough season in the 400m. After overcoming injury, she claimed national titles and helped Ireland qualify for the European U20 Championships, where she ran on the 4x400m relay team in Tampere, Finland.

Sprint specialist Shane McDonald (Kilcoole A.C.), winner of the Under 16–Under 19 Boys Star Award, delivered multiple Leinster gold medals and national podium finishes, recording a series of personal bests across 60m and 200m events.

The Junior Women Star Award went to Maria Zakharenko (Kilcoole A.C.), whose season included All-Ireland Schools gold in the 400m and selection for the Irish relay squad at the European U20 Championships.

Meanwhile, James Foot (Bray Runners A.C.) claimed the Junior Men Star Award following national indoor gold over 800m, strong cross-country performances and a series of track personal bests, including a sub-four-minute 1500m.

Senior and Masters Excellence

In the senior ranks, Sheila O’Byrne (Slí Cualann A.C./Parnell A.C.) earned the Senior Women Star Award after an impressive season on the roads and cross-country circuit, including a top-five finish at the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon and consistent podium performances at major road races.

Masters honours reflected Wicklow’s depth across age categories. Lucianne Hughes (Kilcoole A.C.) dominated the W45 sprint scene, winning every provincial and national title she contested and claiming two relay bronze medals at the European Masters Championships in Madeira.

William Belton (Slí Cualann A.C./Parnell A.C.) secured the Masters Men Star Award after medalling at Leinster level and capturing European Masters bronze in the M75 5000m.

Team Triumph and Athlete of the Year

The Team of the Year accolade went to the Inbhear Dee U15 Girls, who delivered a commanding victory at the National Uneven Ages Cross Country Championships, finishing 51 points clear of their nearest rivals.

The coveted Athlete of the Year Award was presented to Noah Harris (Parnell A.C.), now on scholarship at the University of Tennessee. Harris claimed Leinster and All-Ireland Schools cross-country titles, achieved European U20 qualifying standards on the track, and finished 10th at the European U20 Cross-Country Championships in Portugal, leading Ireland home as first scorer.

Record-Breaking Run and Global Medals

A Special Recognition Award was also presented to Jason “J.J.” O’Byrne (Parnell A.C.), who set a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run dressed as a mascot. Running as “Leo the Lion” at the Dublin City Marathon, he clocked 3:14:46, breaking the previous record by over two minutes.

International Achievement Awards highlighted remarkable medal hauls for athletes including Rebecca Quinn (Glendalough Harriers A.C.), who secured multiple individual and team medals at European and World Masters mountain running championships, and Conor Nolan (Kilcoole A.C.), who captured individual and team medals at the World Masters Mountain Running Championships.

Volunteers at the Heart of Wicklow Athletics

No celebration would be complete without acknowledging the volunteers who underpin the sport. Volunteer Awards were presented to Mick Brennan (Aughrim A.C.) and Pat O’Reilly (St Benedict Inbhear Mór A.C.), both praised for their tireless commitment to ensuring competitions run smoothly at club and county level.

As the evening concluded, one message rang clear: 2025 was a landmark year for Athletics Wicklow. From emerging juvenile talent to masters medallists and international representatives, the county continues to produce athletes and volunteers who embody excellence, dedication and community spirit.