Motorsport took centre stage at the Rose Hotel in Tralee on Saturday night as the Kerry Sports Awards made a major return after a six-year hiatus. Over 250 guests gathered to celebrate the county’s sporting elite, with Killarney co-driver Noel O’Sullivan named the Supreme Sports Star for 2025. O’Sullivan’s top honour follows his historic run of four consecutive Rally of the Lakes victories and his continued success in the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship.
The evening was a landmark occasion for local motor clubs as three stars were honoured for their achievements on the stages. Alongside O’Sullivan, Kerry Motor Club members Michelle Quinn and Caz Somers were recognised for their dominant 2025 season. The cousins secured the Ladies Championship in the Top Part West Coast Rally Championship. It was a particularly poignant year for Michelle Quinn, who also received the Katie Quinn Tarmac Queen Memorial Trophy in memory of her late sister during her successful campaign.
The awards ceremony highlighted excellence across several disciplines, acknowledging the high calibre of athletes within the Kingdom. Athletics star Sarah Leahy was among the prominent winners, taking home the athletics award after a stellar season that saw her break the Irish indoor 60m record. Her recognition comes as she continues her push toward Olympic qualification, standing as one of the elite international competitors celebrated on the night.
Other major winners included David Clifford for football and Siofra O’Shea for ladies’ football, while Damien Fleming was honoured for his national and European success in pitch and putt. The boxing community saw Pa Casey and Kevin Cronin receive awards, with world-class jockey Oisín Murphy taking the horse racing accolade. The night concluded with a standing ovation for Hall of Fame inductee Paddy O’Donoghue for his lifelong service to athletics in Gneeveguilla.
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Kerry Motorsport News 