Athlone's Patricia among winners at Swim Ireland Awards

Athlone Swimming Club stalwart Patricia Cleary was among those honoured at the 2022 Swim Ireland Awards held on Saturday last at the Crowne Plaza, Blanchardstown.

Patricia was one of three people chosen for a President’s Award along with Martin McGann and Grace Meade.

Swim Ireland President Mary Haughney dedicated her President’s award to coaches McGann and Meade for their contributions to the early careers of international medallists Daniel Wiffen and Mona McSharry.

And with past President Kevin Dowling not getting the chance to present an award last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, he presented his award to lifelong volunteer Patricia.

Having been involved with the Athlone club and with Connacht for many years, Cornamagh resident Patricia is also a former President of Swim Ireland.

Clare Cryan (diving), Ellen Keane (para swimming) and Ellen Walshe (swimming) were named as Athletes of the Year at the 2022 Swim Ireland Awards. The Volunteer of the Year for Connacht went to Yvonne Morris of Claremorris SC.

Speaking at the event, Swim Ireland CEO Sarah Keane said: "We are delighted to come together, after a three-year hiatus due to Covid, to celebrate the success of our athletes, our volunteers, our coaches, our educators and to recognise and honour the significant contribution they make day in, day out."

All the award winners are listed below.

2022 Swim Ireland award winners

Club of the Year: Dolphin Swimming SC.

Performance Athlete of the Year (Swimming): Ellen Walshe (Templeogue).

Performance Athlete of the Year (Diving): Clare Cryan (Sheffield DC).

Performance Athlete of the Year (Para Swimming): Ellen Keane (NAC SC).

Performance Coach of the Year: Dave Malone (NAC SC).

Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year (Diving): Jake Passmore (City of Leeds DC).

Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year (Swimming): Grace Hodgins (Trojan SC).

Performance Pathway Athlete of the Year (Para Swimming): Róisín Ní Ríain (Limerick SC).

Performance Pathway Coach of the Year: Jonathan Preston (Trojan SC).

Volunteer of the Year (Connacht): Yvonne Morris (Claremorris SC).

Volunteer of the Year (Leinster): Julie Morgan (Coolmine SC).

Volunteer of the Year (Munster): Kevin Wilmott (Splashworld Sharks SC).

Volunteer of the Year (Ulster): Helen Lunny & Paula Boersma (Leander ASC).

Open Water Swimmer of the Year: Jessika Robson (Lisburn City SC).

Masters Outstanding Achievement Award: Aidan Brennan (Kilkenny Masters).

Outstanding Contribution to Water Polo: Ian Hanrahan (St Vincent's WPC).

Disability Swimmer of the Year: Síomha Nic Brádaigh (Lisburn City SC).

Official of the Year: Antonia Hoskins (Bangor SC).

President’s Awards: Grace Meade (Marlins SC), Martin McGann (Sligo SC), Patricia Cleary (Athlone SC).

Hall of Fame Awards: Martin Kavanagh, Mary Garvey.