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Exceptional Limerick athletes celebrated with special City Hall reception
Exceptional Limerick athletes celebrated with special City Hall reception. Mayor John Moran with Mayoral Award recipients Clara Gomey, Limerick Sport Huskies, Ava Crean, Martina McMahon, Jade You, Mungret Community College Girls U19 Basketball Team, Chloe Buckley, Limerick District Schoolgirl U-14 Team, Ellie Sheehy, Munster Wheelchair Hurling Camogie Club. Pic Arthur Ellis
A special sports-themed reception honoured the achievements of athletes from six outstanding Limerick teams and individuals at City Hall
Limerick City and County’s great sporting achievements were celebrated with a special reception at Merchant’s Quay, City Hall, when six outstanding Limerick teams and individuals were honoured by Mayor of Limerick.
The fourth sports-themed Mayoral Reception of May John Moran’s term at marked the success and dedication of the athletes in their respective codes and to recognise their representation of Limerick on the national and international stage.
The group of mayoral reception recipients includes recipients from athletics, soccer, basketball, handball and wheelchair hurling/camogie. Included in the mayoral reception honours were Ava Crean, Limerick District Schoolgirl U-14 Team, Limerick Sport Huskies, Martina McMahon, Mungret Community College Girls U19 Basketball Team, and Munster Wheelchair Hurling Camogie Club.
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Ava Crean was recognised for her outstanding achievements in Irish athletics, becoming Ireland’s youngest ever female National Marathon Champion at age 19 and setting multiple national records across the marathon, half marathon and 10k distances, while supporting new runners through the Back 2 Boston Project.
Limerick District Schoolgirl U-14 Team received an award in recognition of their achievement as Gaynor Cup Winners 2025 and their representation of Limerick with distinction on the national stage.
Limerick Sport Huskies were recognised for their outstanding achievement in winning the Domino’s Women’s Division 1 National Cup 2026, reflecting the club’s commitment to excellence and the development of women’s basketball in Limerick.
Martina McMahon received the honour in recognition of her outstanding achievement in winning three World Handball Titles in 2024 and representing Limerick with distinction on the world stage.
Mungret Community College Girls U19 Basketball Team, recognised for their outstanding achievement as World Schools Basketball Champions 2025, a success that reflects the team’s dedication, skill and pride in representing their school and community on the world stage.
Munster Wheelchair Hurling Camogie Club received the award in recognition of their outstanding achievement in securing the 2025 Wheelchair Hurling Camogie All-Ireland Championship Title and in honour of an extraordinary milestone of five consecutive All-Ireland Championship victories.
Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, said sporting success means a lot to the people of Limerick, saying, “It is part of the identity that shapes our different kind of energy. As Mayor, it’s been a true privilege to welcome so many of Limerick’s outstanding athletes, teams and individuals to special receptions like this one.
“These moments are not just about celebrating success and winning, but the dedication and resilience that is driving these wonderful ambassadors for Limerick to excel in their chosen fields. The effort, discipline and determination that each of them has demonstrated in their own ways are a huge source of inspiration for people young and old and, perhaps more importantly, a reflection of the values we hold dear as a city and county.”
The Mayor noted it is an aim of the local government to provide “inclusive, accessible sporting facilities across the city and county”. He added, “We want to create an environment where the next great Limerick sports stars can thrive. On behalf of the people of Limerick, I want to extend my congratulations and thanks to each of the event’s recipients for all that they do to enrich our community and showcase Limerick on every stage.”
The reception for Limerick’s sports stars follows three similar sports-related ceremonies in 2025.
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