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.
Notable 2023/2024 performances by supported athletes include:
Eilish Flanagan who came 15th in the World Indoor Championship 3,000m and became the Irish national record holder in the indoor 3,000m and indoor 2-mile events.
Jack Raftery who was part of the Irish 4x400m mixed relay team that came 6th in the 2023 World Athletic Championships and is a European Under 23 Finalist
Reece Ademola, sponsored by Beauchamps, a World Under 20 Finalist and Irish indoor and outdoor Under 23 long jump record holder (7.93m and 7.97m respectively)
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.
“Jerry had a unique ability to inspire and encourage those around him to fulfil not just their sporting but also their personal and academic potential,” said Foundation Chair Brian Coleman.
“The Foundation aims to continue Jerry’s lifelong work and support athletes to fulfil their dreams of representing Ireland on the world stage.”
“Over the last three years we’ve seen our supported athletes go onto great things, both on and off the track, and we are proud to hit a milestone of over €100,000 in funding, especially in this critical Olympic Year.”
“This wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of my fellow Foundation committee members and the long list of corporate and individual patrons who have given so generously over the years.”
Supporting the Foundation
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.