PRESS RELEASE2015-08-24

Morris Applauds Sporting Achievements

Cllt Séamie Morris has spoken of his admiration for the achievements of two young Tipperarywomen in the last week.

Cllr Morris said: “I applaud the achievements by these two Tipperary ladies in Canada. SinéadMeaghar of Nenagh Éire Óg Handball club had an incredible world championships in Calgary.There she won the World doubles handball final with her partner Clodagh Nash from Clare.”

“That's all the more impressive because she had to pick herself up just 3 hours after losing outin the singles final. That final went the full distance, despite Sinéad picking up an injury duringthe game. She shrugged off her loss and injury to win the u17 doubles. She shows remarkablecourage and resilience at the tender age of 15.”

“I also compliment her coach Eamon Spillane. His dedication to handball and his relaunch ofthe Handball club in Nenagh has made this possible, with boys and girls winning All Ireland'sand Munster’s. I was delighted to attend Sinéads homecoming event in the Hibernian Inn onSunday morning with her family, friends, and club mates.”

“Another young lady that has done us proud was 18 year old Nenagh woman and Lough DergYacht Club member Aisling Keller who finished an incredible 6 th in the World youth laserchampionships in Canada.”

“Her performances this year as she attempts to qualify for the Olympic games in Brazil showsher determination and dedication to her sport. Earlier this year she finished 10 th in theEuropean youth championships in Portugal making her achievement in Calgary all the moreremarkable. She shows real progress.”

“Aisling is a member of the High Performance Irish Sailing Academy will represent her countryin Spain shortly.”

“Both Sinéad and Aisling are in sports which need plenty of mental strength because for themost part they are competing on their own. They call only on their own skills as they competeagainst their opponents, though the support of their families has been significant and I applaudtheir families for that support.”

“Canada has seen two of our North Tipperary ladies compete successfully last week. The worldis their oyster and they are inspirations for women in sport in Tipperary now and into thefuture.“

ENDS

Cllr Seamus Morris is available to answer questions on 087-285-9125

Photographs (2)

Photographs (2)#1: Sinéad Meagher (with gold and silver world medals) and Martin Morris at the welcomehome event in the Hibernian Inn, Nenagh.

#2: Aisling Keller received the “Young Sailor of the Year” award.