Cork Athletics International Awards 2020

International Awards, Aspiring Young Athletes Bursaries, 1968 National XC Teams and Hall of Fame Induction 2020

Kingsley Hotel, Carrigrohane Road, Cork

Friday February 21st 2020

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Cork Athletics International Award Medals

The Cork Athletics Annual International Awards presentations took place in the Kingsley Hotel, Carrigrohane Road, Cork, on Friday February 21st 2020. The awards are made to Cork athletes who have represented Ireland in athletics, during the previous twelve months, and have been nominated by their clubs.

cork athletics annual awards 2020 international athletes 10 Stephen Bradley, West Muskerry AC, who represented Ireland at the European IWASA Games, in the Czech Republic, winning 800m and taking Bronze in the 1500m

Cork Athletics Aspiring Young Athletes 2020

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Along with the International Awards, training bursaries are presented to Aspiring Young Athletes, selected on several criteria, including significant athletic achievement, progression and application to their chosen athletic discipline(s).

Members and Representatives from Cork's Winning Men's & Women's National Cross-Country Teams 1968

Hall of Fame - Tom Burke

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Tom Burke's Hall of Fame Citation

Tom Burke was the driving force behind the Grange International Cross-Country. Such was its popularity that, to this day, people ask where the Grange International was held - It was held on the Dublin Road, just outside Fermoy, on the lands of the Coughlan family.

He brought some of the best athletes from across the World to Fermoy; European Champions, World Champions and Olympic Champions. The great Rob De Castela, Craig Virgin, Steve Jones, Henry Rono, Hans Juergen Orthmann, Leon Schots, Danny McDaid , Noel Carroll, John Buckley, Donie Walsh, Eamonn Coughlan, John Treacy, Fanahan McSweeney, and many, many more, including the cream of athletes from across Ireland came to Fermoy.

Tom's vision of the Grange International Cross-Country brought World class athletes, and athletics to a small Cork town. In doing so, Tom was the inspiration for many organisers and administrators. He also provided an International platform for so many athletes around him. The Grange Fermoy International Cross Country may have ceased over 30 years ago, however the legacy of Tom Burke's vision has lasted the test of time.

Tom Burke Testimonials

Craig Virgin's Testimonial

Dear Tom: I am so happy to hear that you are being honored by the Cork County Athletics Board. It is a much deserved honor! You have contributed so much to the sport of Athletics and especially Cross Country. Without people like you working so hard behind the scenes, the opportunities for young and old alike to compete in high caliber events would never happen. I greatly appreciate your devotion to our beloved sport and the special people who participate in it.

I still fondly remember my competition in your Fermoy International Cross Country Race at County Cork back in January of 1983. It was well organized and had a great competitive field that you had assembled. However, I distinctly remember you telling me on the day before the race that Ireland had economized by selling all their snow plows to England in the year or two before my visit... because it almost never snowed in Ireland any more. Then, much to my amazement, I woke up to 3-6 inches of snow on the ground on race morning!!! It was a snowy and muddy course that afternoon... but still an enjoyable, well organized, and memorable race for me.

I will never forget the warm Irish welcome and hospitality that you and your fellow Cork County organizers provided to me. I only wish I could have won the race for you on the day instead of my 6th place but Leon Schots was a worthy champion that afternoon. But, you made me feel so special that weekend that it will remain one of my favorite international memories in a long career. Thank you, Tom, for all that you have done... and all that you continue to do for runners like myself. Best wishes in the remaining days of your well lived life. Sincerely, Craig

Mike McLeod's Testimonial

Hi Tom, I have very fond memories of the race in Fermoy and the great line up of international athletes you put together, It kept us on our toes! I am really pleased you are getting recognition for all the hard work and the hospitality shown to the athletes. Wishing you all the best and I’ll raise a pint of Guinness in your honour. Kind regards Mike McLeod

Steve Jones' Testimonial

Tom Burke, Tom Burke, Tom Burke I have just heard about your deserved recognition for all the hard work you have done for your world class cross country race (s) down in Fermoy. Although I only did it once, it was a joy to run real XC against the best in the world. The race was a class race, with class competition organized by a class man. Thank you for all you have done for my sport. And bringing a world class event to Fermoy and Ireland

Awards Function Brochure 2020 - PDF File