Mayo athlete to benefit from Jerry Kiernan Foundation support

KNOCKMORE'S Hugh Armstrong is one of a dozen elite athletes who will benefit from funding from the The Jerry Kiernan Foundation.

The Foundation, was established in 2021 to remember Kiernan who placed ninth in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic marathon and dedicated his life to helping students and athletes achieve their potential in the classroom and on the track.

Mayo's Armstrong who runs for Ballina AC will benefit from the Foundation this season alongside Keelan Kilrehill from Moy Valley AC.

The 2024 season was a stellar one for Armstrong as he won a succession of top-level road races as well as capturing the National Half-Marathon title. He became the first man to do a clean sweep of all four races in the Irish Life Dublin Race Series as well as impressive victories at the Corkagh 5 Mile, Fingal 10K and Frank Duffy 10 Mile.

Kilrehill, from Dromore West in Sligo is the reigning Irish Cross Country champion and a proven contender at both 3k and 5k.

READ MORE: Historic family connections celebrated as famous trophy visits Mayo golf club

The Jerry Kiernan Foundation has supported more than 35 athletes with former recipients including Olympians, World Championship finalists, and European Championship medalists.

Noteworthy performances by supported athletes in the 2024/2025 season include Nicola Tuthill, who represented Ireland in the Hammer Throw at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games; Cathal Doyle, a 1500m semi-finalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics; Jack Rafferty, who achieved a sixth-place finish in the Mixed 400m Relay at the World Championships; and Toluwabori Akinola, who secured his first Senior National Title in the 60m and recorded the fifth-fastest time in Irish history for the event.

The list of athletes to be financially supported by the Jerry Kiernan Foundation in 2025 includes: Hugh Armstrong (Marathon/Half Marathon), Dara Donoghue (800m), Shona Heaslip (Marathon), Oisin Joyce (Javelin), Toluwabori Akinola (100m), Ryan Creech (Marathon/Half Marathon), Joe Doody (400m), Ciara Neville (100/200m), Keelan Kilrehill (5km/3km), Nicola Tuthill (Hammer Throw), John Fitzsimons (800m), Charlie O’ Donovan (1500m)

READ MORE: PHOTOS: Mayo Marathon attracts thousands in the shadow of Croagh Patrick

Among the valued sponsors who have contributed to the sponsorship announcement are Beauchamps, John Buckley Sports (Cork), Davy, Sisk, Roughan & O’Donovan, Santry Sports Clinic, Big Red Cloud, and CMC.

“Working with the current committee of seven, we have stabilised our finances and grown our revenue incrementally, and we will use our expertise to further strengthen our financial position for the continued benefit of our athletes,” said Foundation Chairman Murt Coleman.

“This year, the Foundation has shown incremental growth with the support of our generous sponsors and donors.”

The Jerry Kiernan Foundation is a not-for-profit charity and is funded exclusively through donations and sponsorship.

Individuals or organisations interested in assisting can donate through the website or email to info@jerrykiernanfoundation.org.