Over the weekend, the first of the new year, HYC was delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievements of its outstanding members with the 2024 Achievers’ Awards, an event to close out a particularly exciting year for HYC! After a special presentation from Olympic Federation of Ireland President Lochlann Walsh, to highlight the Olympic and Paralympic achievements of Club members, it was time for the Achievers’ Awards themselves.

Sponsored by Celtic Candles, the 2024 Achievers’ Awards presented 11 HYC members with nine awards, voted on by the membership in an online ballot before Christmas. Winners ranged from seasoned sailors to up-and-coming Juniors, and honoured those whose unique contributions on the water and off made Howth Yacht Club the stellar sailing club it has been this past year! 

The Achievers' Awards would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of organiser and Rear Commodore Jill Sommerville, Vice Commodore Gary Cullen, GC member Lara Jameson, and outgoing GC member Cormac Farrelly at the end of 2024. The was a full house for the evening, with wine on arrival for members and a cheery, celebratory atmosphere, hosted expertly by outgoing Commodore Neil Murphy, who said the following:

“Howth Yacht Club has a long history of achievement in the sport and having members who are totally committed to the Club and to the various types of involvement that our sport offers. Tonight, we saw a selection of the members being honoured as the achievers of 2024, but there were lots more who have as good a claim to being recognised, and we look forward to the opportunity this time next year to honour them.

We look forward to the start of the Club sailing season –  which is just four months away, whatever the weather looks like outside now – and there is an endless variety of opportunities to get involved at HYC, both afloat and ashore, so please don’t be shy about sharing your skills and talents!

Thanks to everyone for coming along to the 2024 Achievers Awards.”

The awards, their nominees, and the list of winners follows below.

SILVER FOX TROPHY

In memory of Brian Kelly (and presented by his daughter, Jenny Kelly) for excellence in racing, cruising or organizing.

Nominees:
Ross McDonald – 1720s champion, Irish Sailing Champions Cup 2nd
Daragh O’Connor/Teddy Byrne – M15 champions
Daragh Sheridan – UK Aero Masters winner, Irish Nationals 2nd

WINNER: Simon Knowles - J/109 Indian, 1st Corinthian Div. Round Ireland Race, two ISORA outright wins.

 

SEAWARD BELL TROPHY

Presented by Kevin Darmody, for Junior Sailor who excelled at home and abroad.

Nominees:
Charlie Keating
Kate Spain

WINNER: Sienna Wright, who finished 5th overall in the ILCA 6 European Youth Championships, 3rd Under 17, and was the first Irish finisher.

 

GENERAL MANAGER'S AWARD

Presented by HYC Manager, Aideen Doran, for Junior Sailor who best represented and enhances the spirit of Junior Sailing.

Nominees:
Harry Cahill
Michael MacCanna
Samuel McQuade

WINNER: Addison Carmody, for her enhancement of Junior Courses and shared enthusiastic interest in all club racing and sailing opportunities. Addison has gone above and beyond to make he learning environment a fun and inviting place for those around her.

 

BOAT OF THE YEAR

Presented by Commodore Kevin Monks to the HYC boat that has excelled during the year.

Nominees:
Bite the Bullet – Colm Bermingham, Elan 33
Checkmate – Nigel Biggs & Dave Cullen, First 50
Erica – David Nixon, Howth 17
Insider – Stephen Mullaney, Sigma 33
Shiggi Shiggi – Paul & Laura McMahon, Puppeteer 22

WINNER: OutraJeous – John & Suzie Murphy, J/109, with a huge record of 2024 success, including Overall Champion at J Cup Ireland, overall winner of ICRA Nationals, and IRC Euros Overall Champions.

 

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Presented by Commodore Kevin Monks, to mark selfless dedication to HYC throughout the year.

Nominees:
Brian Heron – window replacement project and House Committee
Alexis Massey – Pilates organiser
Michael Pearn – new member induction
Karen Rudd – Mahjong organiser
Gerry O’Neill – Chief ROMEO and Armada Admiral

WINNER: Scorie Walls, for able and dedicated Race Management. A National Race Officer, Scorie Walls devoted an enormous amount of her time to competent race management, both in Howth and for several other clubs.

 

SAILING INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR

Presented by Commodore Kevin Monks, for outstanding service to HYC members over the course of the year.

Nominees:
Aoibhinn Farrelly
Fiachra Farrelly
Luke Kellett
Elizabeth Murphy

WINNER: Jamie Malcolm, who has worked with a vast number of members in the various courses that the Club offers, using his excellent technical knowledge and natural teaching skills to best advantage for many.

 

CLIONA MURPHY MEMORIAL TROPHY

Presented in memory of the late Cliona Murphy, presented by Jane Murphy to the Howth adult sailor who represents and enhances the spirit of HYC sailing.

Nominees:
Eoin Kernan – race management assisting, new member involvement
Terry McCoy – took over as White Sails class captain

WINNER: Neil Spain – IODA Nationals Beachmaster, Helm of Champion cruiser-racer OutraJeous, and an Optimist parent.

 

SUNSHINE RADIO CUP

Presented by Commodore Kevin Monks to the recent new member who has embraced the spirit of all that HYC has to offer.

Nominees:
Sinead Ryan – WAVE volunteer and J80 enthusiast

WINNER: Karolina Kernan – Helps with new members, race management assistance and, since December 2024, a member of the HYC General Committee.

 

INTERNATIONAL TROPHY

In honour of Pat and the late Olivia Murphy, to commemorate their circumnavigation of the world in Aldebaran, this trophy is for the HYC sailor who excelled internationally; for example, at an Olympic, World, or European championship. Pat Murphy had his fair share of health challenges in 2024 and it was great to see him present this award in person!

Nominees:
Eve McMahon – U21 ILCA 6 World Champion, Olympian, Irish Sailor of the Year
Sam O’Byrne – J24 European Champion as part of the Headcase crew
Sienna Wright – ILCA 6 European Championships, 5th overall
Daragh Sheridan – Aero 6 World Championships, 2nd Over 50s

WINNER: Rob Dickson & Sean Waddilove – Paris 2024 Olympics, 4th Place in 49er Skiff, and multiple international titles.

 

Each of the Paris 2024 Olympians – Eve McMahon, Rob Dickson, and Sean Waddilove – were also awarded glass by Commodore Kevin Monks, to commemorate their participation on the Irish Olympic Team 2024 as members of HYC.