Orienteering Ireland Annual Awards
Orienteering Ireland presents three annual awards. These awards are of equal status and reflect the Irish orienteering community’s recognition of an individual’s contribution to the sport.
Spirit of Orienteering Award
This award is given to one person each year. It is in recognition of outstanding service or performance in the sport, either for exceptional efforts in a single year or for a long term contribution that makes a lasting impact on the sport.
Áine Joyce of Great Eastern Navigators received the Spirit of Orienteering Award
The winner of the 2023 Spirit of Orienteering award is undoubtedly someone who over a long period of time, has had a significant impact on the sport of Orienteering in Ireland. It would be impossible to find anybody in orienteering who has not benefited from Áine’s involvement in the sport.
Áine’s commitment to the development of the sport has unquestionably contributed to the higher profile orienteering now enjoys and in all aspects of their contribution they have shown how ours is a friendly and inclusive sport. Whether dealing with individuals, clubs or external organisations Áine was always friendly, informative and helpful. Many projects in the last fifteen years have benefited from her guidance and Orienteering Ireland will continue to develop because of her efforts.
On behalf of everyone involved in Orienteering we acknowledge Áine’s professionalism, friendliness and willingness to “go that extra mile” to make the sport inclusive and enjoyable for all.
Congratulations Áine!
Performance Excellence Award
Introduced in 2012, this award is given when an athlete performs to a high level in an International Event
| Year of Award | Event | |
|---|---|---|
| Aislinn Austin | 2011, 2001 | WOC 2011, JWOC 2001 |
| Alex Simonin | 2010 | EYOC 2010 |
| Andrew Quin | 2006 | WOC 2006 |
| Aonghus O’Cleirigh | 1988, 1987 | WOC 1987, JK 1988 |
| David Healy | 2010, 2003 | JWOC 2003, WOC 2010 |
| John Feehan | 2001, 1999, 1992, 1991 | JK 1999, JWOC 1991, WOC2001, JWOC 1992 |
| Marcus Pinker | 1999, 1997, 1993 | WOC 1999, WOC 1997,JWOC 1993 |
| Niamh O’Boyle | 2010, 2009,2003 | JK 2009, JK 2010, WOC 2010,JWOC 2003 |
| Niamh Corbett | 2010 | EYOC 2010 |
| Nicolas Simonin | 2010, 2009, 2007 | WOC 2010, JWOC 2009, JK2010, JWOC 2007 |
| Sarah Browne | 2003 | JWOC 2003 |
| Toni O’Donovan | 1999 | WOC 1999 |
| Una May | 1995, 1994, 1993 | JK 1993, JK 1994, JK 1995 |
| Wally Young | 1978, 1981 | WOC 1978, WOC 1981 |
| Wilbert Hollinger | 2011 | WTOC 2011 |
Mac Tíre Award
Awarded for the development of orienteering – achieving something that will grow the sport. Some examples are: a new map; a new technology; bringing orienteering to a new part of the country; introducing a new group to the sport; revitalising a neglected area of the sport; enhancing the social aspects of the sport, staging a major event.
Rory has sustained Kerry Orienteering club for four decades and is a truly deserving recipient. He inspired the club to take on the joint running of the Irish Orienteering Championships in 2022 and convinced core members that as a club they could successfully host this major event. Rory has led and inspired Kerry O to restructure into a more sustainable club, promoting a suite of events, upping promotional activities, training as Child Welfare Officer, engaging with the Orienteering Ireland Ready To Go Orienteering teacher programme and working with Kerry O club members in the production of five school maps.
Congratulations Rory!
Orienteering Ireland Annual Award Holders
Orienteering Ireland Awards Archive
Orienteering Ireland Awards Guidelines