Pat Walsh (Cork Athletics and Skibbereen AC), was honoured by Cork City Sports at the 2016 Awards Ceremony, for his lifetime contribution to athletics, across a wide spectrum, with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Cork City Sports President, Frank Walley read the citation; “Today we honour one of these stalwarts of the sport, who work tiredlessly behind the scenes, unnoticed by many, but who contribute enormously to the development of athletics.
Today we honour Pat Walsh for his twenty six years service to Cork Athletics. We look back, in honour, at Pat’s involvement in athletics”
Frank went on to outline some of Pat’s considerable contribution; Pat first became involved in Schools athletics in the 1970’s, competing in the Munster Colleges 200m. He was a regular competitor at the many local sports meets, held throughout west Cork, during that period. Following this, he ran cross-country for UCC, and became the west Cork Divisional 1500m Champion, beating renowned athletes, such as Sean and Paul Harte. Pat ran six marathons in all, culminating with a lifetime best of 2:56.
Pat became involved in the administration of athletics, initially holding the office of Vice-Chairman of BLE (precursor of Athletics Ireland). In 1987 he was elected Treasurer of the County Board, a position he held until 2016. (He has stepped only very slightly, currently holding the office of Assistant Treasurer).
Pat has been the main driving force behind the Cork Athletics Mini-Marathon, having first been appointed to the organising committee in 1989. He was also a prime mover in both the purchase and development of Cork Athletic’s grounds, at Slieveroe, Riverstick, and also, as a member of the CIT Track Management Committee, the development of the spectator stand, administration building and indoor warm-up area at the CIT track. He is also Chief Judge, in charge of the Finish Line Officials at Cork City International Sports meet.
“Pat is a well deserving recipient of the Cork City Sports Lifetime Achievement Award for his huge contribution to athletics over so many years. It now gives me great pleasure to present Pat with this prestigious award.”
