Athletics coach Teresa McDaid is due to be honoured with a Civic Reception for her role in local and international sports.
The Letterkenny woman was the team manager of the Irish athletics team for the recent Olympic Games in Paris and filled a similar role for the previous Olympics in Tokyo in 2021.
A motion by Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh to accord Ms McDaid with a reception from the Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District was unanimously carried at this month’s meeting of the MD.
“Teresa has been involved in athletics in Letterkenny for many years,” Councillor Kavanagh said.
“She and her husband Herbie have made a massive contribution to the development of Letterkenny Athletics Club and she managed the Irish athletics team at the last two Olympic Games, which is a huge achievement.”
Councillor Kavanagh said such an occasion would also serve as recognition for Letterkenny AC.
He said: “We are all aware of just how active the club is and aware of the individuals who put so much time into making it a vibrant and successful club.
“The amount of time volunteers have given to the young people of the town and bringing them on, it’s phenomenal. This would be an ideal chance for members to get together and celebrate their success.”
Noting that Ms McDaid is the first female to manage the Irish athletics team, he said her achievements were vast.
In 2017, she received a leadership award from European Athletics and in 2011 and 2012 she was named as Athletics Ireland’s Coach of the Year.
The Mayor of the Letterkenny-Milford MD, Councillor Gerry McMonagle said he would be ‘delighted’ to host a reception in Ms McDaid’s honour.
Councillor McMonagle said: “Her commitment to athletics is phenomenal. It is people like her who we need to recognise for their input and commitment and contribution to the community.”
A date for the reception has yet to be decided, but is likely to be held in late October.
