Sports clubs and organisations throughout County Limerick are being urged to submit nominations for the inaugural ‘Contribution to Sport Award 2009’ ahead of a November 20th deadline.The award scheme, which honours the memory of the late mountaineer Gerard McDonnell from Kilcornan, recognises contributions and achievements in sport by volunteers, participants and administrators throughout County Limerick. The new award is an initiative of the County Limerick Local Sports Partnership (LSP), in conjunction with the Irish Sports Council and Limerick County Development Board.
LSP Coordinator Phelim Macken said that the award would be awarded to a County Limerick based local volunteer / participant / administrator, who in their outstanding efforts and persistence, had 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 added.
Mr. Macken noted that 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”, he explained.
The successful candidate will receive a special commemorative award to be presented in mid-December. In addition to receiving the award and the recognition for their contribution to sport, the successful volunteer will also receive over night accommodation with dinner together with a spa treatment, sponsored by Woodlands House Hotel and Spa in Adare.
Commenting on Gerard McDonnell’s association with the award, Mr. Macken stated: “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. I wish to sincerely thank Gerard’s family and friends for approving his association with the award. I now urge people from across the County to submit their nominations as soon as possible”.
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.
‘Contribution to Sport Award 2009’ 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.
