Sport has always played a huge part in the lives of the people of Cork with stars such as Christy Ring, Briege Corkery, Roy Keane and Donal Lenihan becoming household names over the years. While these superstars of their respective sports receive countless awards and plaudits, there are many other people who are quietly involved in less high-profile sports all over the city and county.
The Cork Indoor Sports Association (CISA) was founded on February 2nd, 1963 with the stated aim of honouring these people, whether they were players, coaches or organisers. The Association wanted to recognise the efforts of the sports people who kept these organisations alive at the grassroots level. At its inaugural awards evening at The Metropole Hotel, the sports of badminton, basketball, darts, fencing, judo, rings, snooker, table tennis and weightlifting were represented.
2025 AWARDS
The 2025 CISA Awards evening was held on Friday, 16th May at CISA’s spiritual home, The Metropole Hotel. Not only does the hotel provide the venue, but for the last few years they have also sponsored the event, for which CISA is very grateful. We quite literally couldn’t do it without them.
The Lord Mayor of Cork, Dan Boyle gave a speech acknowledging the important role played by sport in the lives of the people of Cork. Each of the award winners had their own story and as they received their award, CISA honorary secretary, Tim O’Donovan, listed their achievements.
Vancs O’Connell from Kanturk Boxing Club, married into a boxing family, and took a “if you can’t beat them, join them” approach. She took the course required and is now heavily involved as a coach and a referee.
Willie Relihan of Liscarrol Handball Club wasn’t a player, but when the local handball alley needed renovations, it was Willie and a few others who dedicated themselves to fund-raising.
John Kelly of Blue Demons was honoured for a lifetime of involvement in basketball, as a player, coach and administrator. John Curran from the Douglas Community School Indoor Bowls Club was likewise honoured for years as a player and administrator. Bart Wolniak took up karate as a child with his dad, Mariusz, in Canada. Years later Bart and Mariusz train together at The Olympic Karate Club in Shandon Street, both having achieved black belts. Bart is heavily involved in the club and trains and coaches, much like the Judo recipient, Damian Ligier from Cork City Judo Club, and Ben Cahill from Ballincollig TKD who won the award for TaeKwonDo.
Jessica Holton Yelverton won the award for Special Olympics. This remarkable young athlete competed for years before becoming a coach and mentor to her fellow athletes. Chloe O’Toole represented gymnastics, competing in her youth before transitioning to coaching and even commentating during TV coverage of gymnastics for RTE. Both Ladies’ and Men’s Rings were honoured on the night with awards going to Shirleyanne Murray from The River Lane Bar and Aidan Murray from The Friars Walk Tavern, both outstanding rings players.
SPECIAL ANNIVERSARIES
Another unique aspect of the awards evening is the recalling of award winners from previous years on the 25th and 50th anniversaries of their awards success. This year we were honoured to welcome back the 1975 award winner for Judo, Christy Duke, who received a replica of the award he won 50 years ago. We were also delighted to have a father and son combination on the night as William Goulding, this year’s award winner for darts, was joined by his father Frank, who received the darts award in 2000. A very special night for them both.
We look forward to many more such nights in years to come.
