Gráinne Moran crowned Dundalk St Gerard's AC Athlete of the Year

Dundalk St Gerard's AC celebrated the festive season in style on Saturday night with its annual Christmas party at the Lisdoo.

Over 140 club athletes and parents gathered for an evening of entertainment and celebration.

Magician Martin Duffy delighted the younger members with his sleight of hand, magic tricks, and humour, while the children danced the night away at the disco.

The evening provided the perfect opportunity to reflect on another exceptional year for Dundalk St Gerard's (DSG).

The club's County Track & Field Club of the Year Trophy took pride of place, while members relived the special highlights of Kate O'Connor's phenomenal World Championships performance.

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The night proved particularly memorable for club stalwart Gráinne Moran, who was crowned overall winner of the Kate O'Connor Athlete of the Year Award for 2025.

Gráinne's remarkable season included claiming the Leinster U19 800m title - smashing the Championship record in the process—and taking Silver at the Schools All Ireland 800m event.

She also secured the NI Senior Women's 800m title and reached the finals of both the Senior Women's 400m and 800m events, competing alongside Olympians.

Her outstanding performances this year earned her places on the Louth All Time Records lists for both the 400m and 800m distances.

The crowning achievement came with news of her Athletics Scholarship to Tennessee Technological University, beginning in January.

A member of Dundalk St Gerard's since age five, Gráinne has enjoyed a stellar athletics career, collecting multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals at Louth, Leinster, and National levels across an impressive range of distances from 60m to 800m.

Her achievements include All Ireland Gold over 200m and the National Community Games 600m title in 2018, alongside leading numerous relay teams to success at county, provincial, and national championships.

Her recent specialisation in the 400m and 800m has culminated in this breakthrough year and an exciting American collegiate career ahead.

Gráinne's proud parents, Lorraine and Seán, were there to share the special moment—fitting recognition for their unwavering support throughout her athletic journey and countless trips to competitions nationwide.

Seán, a valued member of DSG's coaching team for as long as Gráinne has represented the club, has been instrumental in nurturing and developing her natural talent.

The club said it looks forward to following Gráinne's s progress over the next four years.