Special Guests

Over the years, the Donegal Sports Star Awards Committee has been blessed with the calibre of Special Guests that have attended our banquet. Our first ever guest, was Olympian Ronnie Delaney with double European 400m Champion David Gillick being our guest for the 2024 awards.

MC Declan Kerr talking to Special Guest David Gillick at the 2024 banquet

For 2023, it was the turn of All Ireland Winning Player & Manager Jim McGuinness to be our guest. Pictured are Chairperson Grace Boyle making a presentation to Jim at the 2023 banquet. Also pictured are the Chief Executive and Cathaoirleach, Seamus Neely and Martin Harley of the sole sponsors Donegal County Council

As the 2020 & 2021 awards were virtual, there was no special guest. However for 2022, it was the turn of our own Shay Given, former Irish International Goalkeeper pictured above receiving a presentation from Chairperson Grace Boyle at the banquet.

World Champion & Olympic Bronze Medallist Rob Heffernan was our guest for the 2019 awards. Pictured above are Rob receiving a presentation from Chairperson Grace Boyle at the banquet. Also pictured are the Chief Executive and Cathaoirleach, Seamus Neely and Nicholas Crossan of the sole sponsors Donegal County Council

Champion Jump Jockey Ruby Walsh was our guest for the 2018 awards pictured above receiving a presentation from Chairperson Grace Boyle at the banquet.

World Snooker Champion Ken Doherty was the guest for the 2017 awards.

For 2016, it was the turn of our very own Patsy McGonagle, Irish Olympic Team Manager.

Maeve Kyle, O.B.E., three time Olympian was our guest for the 2015 awards.

For 2014, RTE’s Sean O’Rourke was our guest.

Chief Executive Officer of the FAI John Delaney was our guest for the 2013 awards pictured above making a presentation to Eileen Ferry Special Athlete.