Eamon Giles spoke yesterday on the battles he faced when setting up Cranford AC, how many people believed it couldn’t be done, and the satisfaction he gets from seeing the club still thrive to this day.
Eamon was officially awarded as he became the 46th inductee into the Donegal Sports Star ‘Hall of Fame’ last night.
As a 19-year-old, Eamon was the driving force behind the formation of Cranford AC, the first athletic club in Donegal and 61 years later, he is still very active as a coach, nurturing young talent and travelling all over the country to competitions with his beloved club.
As a young man, Eamon found it difficult to gain support on starting the club and had a lot of people doubting him, but with fundraising and early success at competitions, the club continue to grow.
Eamon was a founding member of the Donegal County Athletics Board. He is a Life Vice President of both Athletics Ireland and the Donegal County Board.
He was also selected as a member of the Donegal Athletics Team of the Millennium and two years ago Eamon was inducted into the County Board’s Hall of Fame.
Eamon and his committee are now looking forward to creating another bit of history with Cranford AC, who for the first time, will host the National Senior Cross Country Championships in November.
Eamon Giles receiving his award from Donegal Sports Star chairperson Grace Boyle.
Photo – Geraldine Diver