Tadhg Bags 2022 Title

Wizard, a true star…

reystones pugilist supreme Tadhg O’Donnell was, of course, shortlisted for Ireland’s Young Sportstar Of The Year.

And last night, of course, the fecker won that title.

The teenager won gold at the European Junior Championship back in October, after all, famously coming home to a conquering hero’s welcome at his local school, Temple Carrig – a welcome that promptly turned into a viral sensation.

“It was an incredible night,” says Tadhg’s permanently proud dad, Ian. “And we just want to thank everyone who voted. The response in Greystones, and beyond, was just incredible…”

To celebrate his win, Tadhg is spending his Saturday watching boxing at The National Stadium.

The title was shared with Ireland’s fastest man, 20-year-old Israel Olatunde, the Dundalk runner whose sixth-place finish in the European Championship 100 Metres final in the summer produced an Irish record.

Which he did in 10.17 seconds, fact fans.

Of his award-winning year, Israel said that he was going to “take all the energy and excitement of last season and bring it to the next season.

“Hopefully we can push forward, and achieve more.”

That’s the spirit.

Congrats to both of these remarkable young athletes, and here’s to another remarkable year ahead.