On Monday evening last, the 16th September, An Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, An Cathaoirleach Declan Bree was delighted to host a Civic Reception to honour Sligo’s 2024 Olympians and Paralympian.
Civic Reception for Sligo’s Olympians and Paralympian
Sligo’s City Hall was packed with family and friends of Mona McSharry, Chris O’ Donnell, Dean Clancy, Lauren Cadden and Martin Gordon, all turning out to witness the athletes being acknowledged for their significant sporting achievements. As Mona McSharry was out of the country at the time of the reception – she was represented by her parents Viola and Aidan but did manage to address the attendees via videolink.
In congratulating the competitors on their achievements, An Cathaoirleach Councillor Bree said
“We are grateful to each of you for the countless hours that you have dedicated to your chosen sport. It is a culmination of a lifetimes work to become masters in your sporting field and in doing so, you have provided us, the spectators, with joy and memories that will last a lifetime. In competing at such a high standard, you have all represented our small but mighty county with such distinction this summer and given us an unparalleled source of pride. You have lifted the spirit of your communities, and instilled a desire and ambition in countless young athletes who aspire to follow in your footsteps”.
All the competitors were presented with a commemorative glass piece and a certificate from Sligo County Council to acknowledge the significance of their participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games 2024 and to signify to the athletes that the entire County was behind them on their sporting journeys.
In speaking to the crowd present, Chris O’ Donnell, Dean Clancy, Lauren Cadden and Martin Gordon all gave special thanks to their families and various sporting clubs for the support they had given them from the beginning of their athletic careers and thanked Sligo County Council for hosting this event.
Mona McSharry, in a prerecorded message said that she was
“really excited to be part of a group of great athletes doing great things within their designated sports and also inspiring the next generation”
