Star quality at sporting night of the year

The Mayo public are renowned for supporting their sportspeople and last weekend was no different, when a capacity crowd turned up to Breaffy House Hotel for the 54th Western People Mayo Sports Stars Awards.

The evening summed up everything I perceive Mayo to stand for – pride, benevolence and affability. I mightn’t be from Mayo but those three words are what make it a privilege to work in the county.

19 awards were presented to the talented sports stars during an entertaining evening, with Kerry football icon Tomás Ó Sé, this year’s special guest, also adding to the occasion.

While on stage, Ó Sé complimented the county’s passion for sports, in particular for the game in which he made his name.

The 2004 Footballer of the Year stated, “Football is everything in Kerry, which is very similar to Mayo. I was thinking about that travelling up the road today. It is a county where it is brilliant to see the amount of sports being represented here.” And he is certainly correct. The respect shown towards Mayo’s most successful sporting individuals is something that cannot be underestimated. The Western People Mayo Sports Awards have been celebrating the county’s finest athletes since 1970, and long may that continue.

Additionally, I have to commend my colleagues who produced a superb show in Breaffy. From Anthony Hennigan, Stuart Tynan, and Edwin McGreal’s impressive on-stage interviews on the night, to the weeks of build-up from fellow staff members, it all came together last weekend.

The two-hour production featured the presentation of awards, while a hearty four-course meal was enjoyed by all before the ceremony got underway. Furthermore, the well put-together event booklet gave the audience an insight into the achievements of this year’s recipients, with the walk-on music and projected graphics also being eye-catching elements.

At the end of the night, handball legend Martin Hennigan was inducted into the Western People Mayo Sports Stars Awards Hall of Fame for 2025. This followed on from being recognised with four Western People Mayo Sports Star Awards for Handball in 1980, 1982, 1984 and 1985.

The Swinford native, who has the distinction of being the only Mayo man to win an All-Ireland senior singles handball championship in the prestigious 40x20 division, was proud to receive the ultimate honour at this year’s awards.

“If you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything,” Martin said when he held the Hall of Fame award.

“The sport was never about me, it was always about the jersey. Every time I wore the green and red of Mayo, I thought of the great players who played before me and what they have achieved. I always wanted to win, but the jersey was the main aspect.”

Martin could not have said it better. The talented pool of sports stars in the county come across as humble, honoured and proud to represent the green and red.

The Mayo Sports Stars Awards are a night to celebrate individuals, teams and also people who have sadly passed away, who have offered an abundance to something we follow passionately every day, week, month and year.

Well done to all the winners, and for a great night. Here’s to a successful 2026 for all Mayo’s sportspeople.