Raheny Shamrock stalwart Paddy Fay has been honoured at the National Athletics Awards with the services to coaching award.
Fay was the first juvenile member of Raheny Shamrock and with the late Brian Corcoran, Roger Kingston and Alan Brennan was part of the club team to win the 1970 national 4x400m relay title.
Fay won the Leinster 100 metre title in 1971 & 1972 and was a renowned competitor over 50 metres due to his unbelievable start.
Paddy his a renowned coach having being appointed national sprint coach in 1997. That year the Irish 4x100m team broke 40 seconds for the first time and qualified for the World Championships.
In 1998 Paddy was selected as coach to the Irish team for the 1998 European championships. Holding this position for nine years, including two Olympic games, three European championships and four World championships.
Under Fay, Ireland qualified four sprint teams to the 2000 Olympic games and took World indoor 4x400m bronze in 2003.
A very well deserving award to Paddy. Congratulations from everyone at Raheny Shamrock.
Also at the national athletics awards Feidhilm Kelly was a well-deserved recipient of the European Athletics coaching award.
