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Irish Independent
24-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
See photos as Killarney school holds their annual end of year awards night
The awards day at Killarney Community College has now become an annual tradition in the college and it gives the whole school community an opportunity to reflect on some of the achievements of the students. Awards were presented across a range of categories: academia, technology, culture, languages, leadership, ethos, sports, attendance and extra-curricular activities amongst others. Awards Coordinator Selma Dineen said of the day: 'The Annual Awards Ceremony is a cherished tradition that acknowledges the dedication, perseverance, and talent exhibited by individuals within the school community. It serves as a platform to honour remarkable accomplishments across a wide range of categories.' Throughout the afternoon, a series of prestigious awards were presented to deserving recipients who had excelled in various domains. Each award displayed the unique talents, achievements, and contributions of individuals who have made a significant impact within the school community. The LCA Student of the Year award went to Brian O' Connell. LCA Year Head Mr John Keane stated 'Throughout LCA, he excelled in every task, credit, and interview, showing dedication and excellence at every turn. His wit and good humour were a tonic for both classmates and teachers alike.' Dylan Tucker was voted by the teachers as the Student of the Year. Dylan was commended for his 'respectful nature, maturity, and down-to-earth spirit, he stands as a shining example to all. Always ready with a kind word and a warm smile, he lifts the spirits of everyone he meets.' The prestigious Principal's Award went to Laura Bradley. In Ms Loughnane's speech she stated 'Killarney Community College sees your resilience, your kindness, your steady presence. We see the way you navigate the world with grace and assurance. It is an honour to recognise and celebrate the incredible young person you are and the leader you will become.' Victoria Pierog and Grace Foley were presented with the award for Senior Living the Ethos. They were awarded this as they have been constantly involved in promoting the school ethos of 'Respect, Responsibility and Inclusion' throughout their years studying in the college. Other awards on the day included Sports Awards which went to Clodagh Moriarty who was awarded the Senior Sports Award for her excellent contribution to sports and sporting achievements. The Junior Sports Awards meanwhile went to Emer O Connell and Jake Coffey. There were a number of new awards this year including the Year Head award which was presented to Kerri Breen Riordan and Mateusz Pfister. Kerri was described as 'a vibrant, positive presence in our school community, known for her ever-present smile, bubbly personality, and boundless enthusiasm'. Mateusz was the second recipient of the Year Head award as 'Over his five years at Killarney Community College, he has demonstrated exceptional growth, both personally and academically. ADVERTISEMENT On presenting the Awards, Principal Stella Loughnane commended all award recipients and the wonderful teamwork of the teachers and staff for the awards event. "We firmly believe that recognizing and celebrating achievements is crucial to fostering a culture of excellence and inspiring future generations," said School Principal Stella Loughnane. "Our Annual Awards Ceremony is a momentous occasion that not only acknowledges outstanding achievements but also motivates students to strive for their personal best. We are immensely proud of the winners and the entire school community for their dedication and commitment,' she added.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rania El Rafie Appointed to Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards 2025/2026
APO Group ( is proud to announce that Rania El Rafie, Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, has been appointed to the Jury Panel for the 2025/2026 editions of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards, an initiative recognising groundbreaking contributions and leadership by women across the African sports ecosystem. Organised by Africa Sports Ventures Group (ASVG) and the Women Sports Africa Network (WSAN), the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards honour outstanding female leaders, athletes, executives, and changemakers who are reshaping the African sports landscape. The esteemed Jury Panel features professionals from across the continent and the diaspora, including Albert Kyei Frimpong, President of WBSC Africa and Board Member of the Confederation of African Olympic Sports Associations (CASOL), and Dr. Maha Zaoui, an experienced sports management expert currently serving as General Manager of Rugby Africa. 'I'm honoured to be considered for the Jury Panel of the 50 Most Influential African Women in Sports Awards for 2025 and 2026,' said El Rafie. 'This platform plays a vital role in amplifying the voices and achievements of women shaping the future of African sport, and I'm proud to contribute to that mission.' El Rafie is a seasoned public relations executive with over 22 years of experience across Africa and the Middle East. Based in Cairo, Egypt, she currently serves as Vice President of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at APO Group, where she became the first and youngest person internally promoted to this executive role in January 2024. She has led award-winning campaigns recognised by SABRE Awards, Brands Review Magazine, and World Business Outlook, and was recently awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the Most Innovative Woman of the Year 2025 category, and was recognised as one of Africa's Top 50 Outstanding Women in Communications. Her experience in sports communication spans the NFL, Basketball Africa League, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and FIFA. She has also driven pan-African communications strategy for major brands such as Canon, Nestlé, TikTok, and Afreximbank. With a degree in Business Administration from the American University in Dubai, Rania brings strategic insight, media expertise, and a passion for sports and empowerment to the jury's mission. The announcement coincides with the official launch of the Awards' new digital platform – ( – a hub dedicated to honouring and celebrating the achievements of African women in sports. The site will serve as the central point for information, nominations, and public engagement in the lead-up to the 2025 Awards ceremony, scheduled to take place on 31 July 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya. All nominations will be reviewed by an independent Selection Committee. This joint initiative marks a landmark moment for African women in sports, aiming to increase visibility, recognition, and opportunities across administration, business, media, technology, and athletics. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of APO Group. About APO Group: Founded in 2007, APO Group ( is the leading award-winning pan-African communications consultancy and press release distribution service. Renowned for our deep-rooted African expertise and expansive global perspective, we specialise in elevating the reputation and brand equity of private and public organisations across Africa. As a trusted partner, our mission is to harness the power of media, crafting bespoke strategies that drive tangible, measurable impact both on the continent and globally. Our commitment to excellence and innovation has been recognised with multiple prestigious awards, including a PRovoke Media Global SABRE Award and multiple PRovoke Media Africa SABRE Awards. In 2023, we were named the Leading Public Relations Firm Africa and the Leading Pan-African Communications Consultancy Africa in the World Business Outlook Awards, and the Best Public Relations and Media Consultancy of the Year South Africa in 2024 in the same awards. In 2025, Brands Review Magazine acknowledged us as the Leading Communications Consultancy in Africa for the second consecutive year. They also named us the Best PR Agency and the Leading Press Release Distribution Platform in Africa in 2024. Additionally, in 2025, we were honoured with the Gold distinction for Best PR Campaign and Bronze in the Special Event category at the Davos Communications Awards. APO Group's esteemed clientele, which includes global giants such as Canon, Nestlé, Western Union, the UNDP, Network International, African Energy Chamber, Mercy Ships, Marriott, Africa's Business Heroes, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies, reflects our unparalleled ability to navigate the complex African media landscape. With a multicultural team across Africa, we offer unmatched, truly pan-African insights, expertise, and reach across the continent. APO Group is dedicated to reshaping narratives about Africa, challenging stereotypes, and bringing inspiring African stories to global audiences, with our expertise in developing and supporting public relations campaigns worldwide uniquely positioning us to amplify brand messaging, enhance reputations, and connect effectively with target audiences.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Joint-winners at Bradford Sports Awards as former City ace "on road to recovery"
THE Active Bradford Sports Awards took place on Thursday night at Valley Parade, and it was understandably impossible to pick between two remarkable female talents. Glusburn cyclist Cat Ferguson, a four-time world junior champion in 2024, and Keighley rugby union ace Ellie Kildunne, the reigning World Player of the Year, were deserving joint-winners of the Sportswoman of the Year award. Saltaire athlete Emile Cairess picked up two awards, both Sportsman of the Year and Sporting Highlight of the Year, for his remarkable fourth-placed finish at the Paris Olympics Marathon. Teenage swimmer Gina Warrior won Amateur Sportswoman of the Year, while wheelchair table tennis whizz Abisoye Jamiyo was named Amateur Sportsman of the Year. Campion were named Team of the Year for their FA Cup run, which included taking Blyth Spartans to a replay, as the Bradford Schools Football Association were named as the Grassroots Club of the Year and the Team Diamond ice skaters were the New Club of the Year. Motorcycling prospect Alfie Barraclough was the Young Disability Sportsman of the Year, trampolining talent Emily Hebden scooping the equivalent female prize. Ice hockey international Darragh Spawforth was the Young Sportsman of the Year, with taekwondo ace Yvie Ling-Hegarty getting the women's award. Coach of the Year went the way of mixed-ability rugby pioneer Mohammed Ahsan Sakandar, with Sue Cater of the Bradford Bulls Foundation named Volunteer of the Year for her tireless work with the club's wheelchair team. Mohammed Ahsan Sakandar proudly poses with his Coach of the Year award on Thursday night. (Image: Thomas Gadd) Bulls also claimed the Diversity and Inclusivity award, for things such as hosting a yearly Iftar event at Odsal. The Community Engagement award poignantly went to Michael 'Muppett' Pascal, a dedicated walker who raised thousands for charity before his death in Shipley last August. Les Cousin won the Environmental Sustainability award, Carlton Bolling were Active School of the Year, Bradford Hindu Council claimed the Active Faith Setting prize, while Active Workplace of the Year went to the University of Bradford Union of Students. Triathlete Alistair Brownlee won the Lifetime Achievement Award, while the Special Recognition prize went to Bradford cricketing stalwart Shiv Krishan. Before presenting that award, the host for the night Tanya Arnold revealed the sad news that the winner of last year's Special Recognition Prize, chief medic at Beanland Taekwondo Ian Rose, has since died of cancer. In the Special Recognition category this year was former Bantams ace Wayne Jacobs, who has done tireless charity work with One in a Million since retiring. He has been ill for a lengthy period, but Active Bradford co-chair James Mason shared the welcome news on stage that the popular full back is 'on the road to recovery'. And with the event being held at Valley Parade just three days before the 40th anniversary of the Fire Disaster, it was fitting that money was raised on the night for the Bradford Burns Unit, with its director, Professor Ajay Mahajan, giving a speech during the ceremony.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cardinals WR Michael Wilson is the guest speaker at Arizona High School Sports Awards
Nov 12, 2023; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson (14) is down short of the goal line against Atlanta Falcons linebacker Kaden Elliss (55) in the second half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-Arizona Republic The 2024-25 Arizona High School Sports Awards, Presented by Diamond Kitchen & Bath, is happy to announce Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson as the guest speaker for its live event on Wednesday, June 4 at the Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix. Wilson is a wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals, drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 94th overall. Scouts considered him one of the most pro-ready receivers in his class, combining elite route-running, strong hands, and high football intelligence. Advertisement Rated a four-star recruit out of Chaminade College Prep in Los Angeles, Michael committed to play college football at Stanford University. During his time at Stanford, Wilson served as a two-time team captain and was widely respected for his leadership, resilience, and work ethic. The 2024-25 Arizona High School Sports Awards, Presented by Diamond Kitchen & Bath, are part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards program. Despite facing multiple injuries, he finished his college career with over 1,500 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns across 32 games, including standout performances at the Senior Bowl that solidified his NFL draft stock. In his rookie NFL season, Wilson gained over 500 receiving yards and multiple touchdowns, starting the majority of games and establishing himself as a consistent and dependable target in the Cardinals' offense. His on-field maturity, physical presence, and ability to separate against top defenders have positioned him as a rising talent in the league. Advertisement Last season he had 47 receptions for 548 yards and four touchdowns. Off the field, Wilson graduated from Stanford with a degree in Management Science & Engineering and is known for his thoughtful perspective on athlete identity, purpose, and mental preparation. With a foundation built on discipline, education, and leadership, Michael Wilson is a respected figure within the Cardinals organization and a promising presence in the future of the NFL. The 2024-25 Arizona High School Sports Awards, Presented by Diamond Kitchen & Bath, are part of the USA TODAY High School Sports Awards program. Tickets are on FREE this year, thanks to Diamond Kitchen & Bath, and can be obtained here. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY High School Sports Wire: Cardinals WR Michael Wilson is speaker at Arizona H.S. Sports Awards
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NDN Athlete of the Week winner from March 24-29: Gulf Coast track and field's Johnny Ruggiero
Each week during the school year the Naples Daily News selects athletes that stood out the week before based on a combination of coach reports and school nominations sent to sports@ and our coverage. Those athletes are put in a poll each Monday on and you, our readers, vote on who you think did it best. The winners of the Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week poll receive a T-shirt provided by BSN Sports and a tote bag provided by USA Today High School Sports Awards. To get to know our winners better, the Naples Daily News will have a question-and-answer session with each athlete weekly. The Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week for March 24-29 was Gulf Coast track and field standout Johnny Ruggiero. The senior finished first in the 400-meter dash at the North Port Invitational, clocking a time of 50.02, along with a fourth-place finish in the 4x800 relay. He received 56% of the vote. Advertisement Question: How early did you get into track and field? What drew you to the sport? Ruggiero: I first began growing interest into track in seventh grade, but COVID ended the season before it began. I then ran in eighth grade and had success, so I fell in love with the sport. Ms. (Charlotte) Bremsesh, the coach at Oakridge, was asking me to run, and I finally gave in, and it was one of the best decisions of my life. Previous winner: NDN Athlete of the Week winner from March 17-22: Barron Collier track and field's Olivia Bersh What has it been like making a large impact in your final season? Ruggiero: It's awesome, I been working the past three years for the times I been hitting this year. It's great to finally see the payoff. Coach (Manual) Evans coming to Gulf Coast was also a very important reason why I am able to run how I am. He is a great coach and mentor, one of the best around. As well coach (Andrew) Grillo and coach (DeMarcus) Townsend have pushed me throughout the season, and I couldn't do anything without them. My teammates also help me make the impact I am, without them pushing me at practice every day I wouldn't be able to do what I am doing. Lastly, without the support of my family none of this is possible. Advertisement Do you have a ritual or routine before a meet? Ruggiero: The main thing I do consistently before a meet is pray to God, thanking him for the opportunity and blessing to even run every day and stay healthy. Without God, none of this is possible. Gulf Coast track athlete Johnny Ruggiero was voted the Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week sponsored by Elevate Home Services for the week of March 24-29. Do you have a track and field athlete, current or former, that you look up to? Ruggiero: I look up to Matthew Boiling and Noah Lyles. The reason being is because they show great work ethic, and there success shows for it. They are great examples for the next generation of runners. If you weren't doing track and field, what sport would you be playing? Ruggiero: I originally played baseball before quitting to run track. I played since I was 6 and that would be the sport I would've continued if I didn't run track. Advertisement Follow Sports Reporter Alex Martin on X: @NP_AlexMartin. For the best sports coverage in Southwest Florida, follow @newspresssports and @ndnprepzone on Instagram. This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Johnny Ruggiero, March 24-29 Naples Daily News Athlete of the Week
