The Jerry Kiernan Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting aspiring Irish athletes, is proud to announce the list of athletes who will be receiving financial support in 2023.

The list includes Olympians, European Cross Country Medallists, multiple national champions, and exciting emerging talents.

Established in 2021, the Foundation, which was established in memory of Jerry Kiernan, the legendary educator, coach and mentor to students and athletes over 35 years, aims to provide funding and resources to help young athletes achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

The 2023 list of supported athletes includes a mix of up-and-coming stars and seasoned competitors, all of whom have shown great promise and potential to compete and challenge on the world stage in their respective sports.

The Foundation will provide financial assistance to cover training expenses, equipment costs, and other essential needs to help these athletes focus on their training and competition schedules.

In total the financial assistance will come to in the region of €30,000.

“We are thrilled to be able to support these talented and hard-working athletes,” said Murt Coleman, the Chairman of the Jerry Kiernan Foundation.

“Jerry gave tirelessly of his time and energy to all those who were lucky enough to call him their teacher, coach or friend. By investing in these athletes we aim to keep Jerry’s memory alive and to honour his legacy in a fitting manner.”

The list of athletes to be financially supported by the Jerry Kiernan Foundation in 2023 includes:

Cathal Doyle – Reigning Irish 1,500 Metre champion
Courtney McGuire – Women’s pole Vault
Efrem Gidey – Top 8 European Cross Country Championship 2023
Eilish Flanagan – Silver Medallist at U23 European Championship 2019 and Olympian
Hiko Tonosa – Placed National 5,000 Metres and Cross Country Nationsla in 2022
Jack Raftery – Finalist at 4×400 Metres Relay World Championship
John Fitzsimons – European U20 Bronze Medallist in 800 Metres
John Travers – Six-time National Indoor Champion at 1,500 metres
Louise Shanahan – Tokyo Olympian and reigning National 800 Metres Champion
Michaela Walsh – European U20 Medallist and 11-times National Hammer Champion
Reece Ademola – World U20 Championship Finalist in Long Jump
Roisin Flanagan – Commonwealth Games 5,000 Metre Finalist