The Jerry Kiernan Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting aspiring Irish athletes, has named 12 athletes who will benefit from funding in excess of €30,000 in 2024. This brings the Foundation’s total investment in Irish athletes over the last 3 years to over €100,000.
The Foundation has been set up to honour the memory of the late Jerry Kiernan, an educator, coach and mentor to students and athletes for over 35 years until his sudden death in 2021. The Foundation invests in high potential Irish athletes in need of financial support to bring their performances to the next level covering training expenses, equipment costs, and other essential needs.
This year’s awards bring the total number of supported athletes to 33 and includes Olympians, European cross country medallists, European Championship and World U20 finalists.
The list of athletes to be financially supported by the Jerry Kiernan Foundation in 2024 includes: Cathal Doyle – 1,500m; Charlie O’Donovan – 1,500m; Ciara Neville – 100/200m; Hugh Armstrong – Cross Country/Marathon; Jack Raftery – 400m; John Travers – 5,000m; Kate Veale – Race Walk; Nicola Tuthill – Hammer; Reece Ademola – Long Jump; Ryan Creech – Marathon; Shona Heaslip – Marathon; Toluwabori (Bori) Akinola – 100m.
The Foundation sought applications for funding throughout January and February and an independent panel selected the 12 recipient athletes.
FUNDING
The Jerry Kiernan Foundation is a not-for-profit charity and is funded exclusively through donations and sponsorship. Individuals or organisations interested in assisting directly can donate through the website or directly via email to info@jerrykiernanfoundation.org.
Foundation is also seeking long term partnerships with corporates and individuals on a structured basis to fund its objectives. For more information on the Jerry Kiernan Foundation and its mission to support Irish athletes, please visit www.jerrykiernanfoundation.com
