The late Gerard McDonnell of Kilcornan, County Limerick, pictured in Alaska, USA, in 2008. Image courtesy of the McDonnell familyAn awards scheme honouring a Limerick man who died shortly after becoming the first Irish person to climb K2 - the world’s most dangerous mountain – was officially launched at Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel in Adare today.
The “Contribution to Sport Award 2009”, which honours the memory of the late Gerard McDonnell, recognises contributions and achievements in sport by volunteers, participants and administrators throughout County Limerick. Gerard McDonnell was entered into the history books when he reached the summit of the world’s second highest mountain in August 2008. The native of Kilcornan was tragically killed while descending the Himalayan peak just hours after achieving his lifetime ambition.
The 37-year-old was part of an expedition team comprising seven climbers from Ireland, Holland and Australia. Lying on the Pakistan-China border, K2 is regarded as one of the most all-round difficult mountains in the world with only around 189 climbers having reached the summit. In the year since his tragic death, Ger has been hailed as a hero and awarded the Best of Explorers Web 2008 Award by the mountaineers’ websites, Explorers Web. Limerick County Council held a Civic Reception in his honour last March.
The new awards scheme is an initiative of the County Limerick Local Sports Partnership (LSP), in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and Limerick County Development Board. Councillor David Naughton, Cathaoirleach of Limerick County Council today thanked Mr. McDonnell’s family and friends for approving the late mountaineer’s association with the award. “Gerard was a proud Limerick man who pushed the boundaries of human endurance to the limits. His appetite for life was an inspiration to anyone who came into contact with him. His association with this award will no doubt attract a large number of nominations”, stated the Cathaoirleach.
Speaking at today’s ceremony, Gerard’s brother JJ McDonnell said: “Our family are deeply moved and humbled that Limerick County Council have set up a sports award of this nature in memory of Gerard. In my opinion it is so apt that this award caters for all those involved in sports, including the people behind the scene who like Gerard until recently remained as an unsung hero. The pride we have in Gerard is unquestionable as to us he exemplifies the very essence of humanity and sportsmanship.”
“The McDonnell family would like to thank Limerick County Council for the Civic Reception held in honour of Gerard earlier this year and also in 2003. It is extremely humbling that Gerard has been honoured in this manner by his own County, a County that he was always so proud of”, he commented.
According to LSP Coordinator Phelim Macken said: “The Contribution to Sport Award 2009 will be awarded to a County Limerick based local volunteer / participant / administrator, who in their outstanding efforts and persistence, has made an excellent contribution to sport at a local level. By giving their time and effort to the sport, the club and the community, the person who receives this award will be chosen based on their determination to keep the sport alive in their local area together with promoting volunteerism on a countywide basis.”
He noted that award nominees would be evaluated using a set of selection criteria. “Among the factors that will be considered by the Selection Committee will be the nominee’s length of service as a volunteer/participant/administrator, along with their versatility, impact on the club or group, impact on the sport, personal contribution, overall merit and other qualities. The successful candidate will receive a special commemorative award to be presented in mid-December”, explained Mr. Macken.
Nomination forms are available online from www.cllsp.ie, by email infosports@limerickcoco.ie or telephone 061-496463. Completed nomination forums should be emailed to infosports@limerickcoco.ie or posted to Mr. Phelim Macken, Coordinator, County Limerick Sports Partnership, County Hall, Dooradoyle Road, Co. Limerick, on or before 20th November 2009. For further information on the “Contribution to Sport Award 2009” email infosports@limerickcoco.ie or telephone 061-496463 / 061-496428.
