Arklow Gymnastics Club Shine At National Awards

Arklow Gymnastics Club
Front row (left-right) Leah Quigley, Callum Murphy, Jessica Loughrey, Sara Kenny, Susan Kenny. Back row (left-right) Claire Thompson, Darragh Murphy, Michael Kenny, Ciara Cox

Arklow Gymnastics Club made their presence felt at the prestigious Gymnastics Ireland National Awards, sponsored by Marsh which took place on Saturday January 18th. The night was a celebration of hard work, talent, and dedication, as the club took home multiple accolades, cementing its reputation as a leader in Irish gymnastics.

The junior coaches, Darragh Furlong, Callum Murphy, and Leah Quigley, proudly accepted the Display Club of the Year award on behalf of the club. These young coaches played a pivotal role in preparing, choreographing, and designing routines for two of the club’s display teams. Their efforts were rightly recognized as they walked the stage to collect the award.

Adding to the club’s triumph, they were also awarded the coveted Club of the Year award. This recognition reflects the collective hard work, passion, and dedication of the club’s coaches, athletes, and supportive parents.

Michael Kenny, a central figure in the club’s success, accepted the award. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the Arklow Gymnastics display team to EuroGYM 2024 in Norway, where they became the first Irish team to perform at the prestigious event. Their outstanding performances earned a wildcard from European Gymnastics, granting them the extraordinary honor of performing at the EuroGYM Gala — the festival’s highlight. This accolade underscores the club’s commitment to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where young gymnasts can excel.

In a particularly heartwarming moment, Michael Kenny was recognised individually with the Unsung Hero 2024 award. This accolade celebrates his exceptional contribution to Arklow Gymnastics Club and his efforts in promoting Gymnastics For All (GFA) within Gymnastics Ireland. Kenny’s passion and dedication to display gymnastics have sparked a cultural transformation within the club, emphasising team routines that blend performance artistry with acrobatic excellence.

For more information on the club, you can visit their website https://arklowgymclub.com/