Trinity Sports Stars in a League of Their Own

Posted on: 07 April 2016

Badminton sports scholar Prakash Vijayanath won Sports Person of the Year at this year’s Trinity Sport Awards and Commons. The third year computer science and business student beat off stiff competition from fellow scholars Aisling Maher (camogie) and Cade Ryan (canoe) to claim the prize.

Prakash, who still has his sights on the Rio Olympics this August said “I'm very honoured to receive this award from such a prestigious university and I will do my best to promote and represent Trinity to the best of my ability in the future. The night was very well organised and it was an absolute pleasure to be a part of it. I would like to thank DUCAC for all the support they have given me throughout the years, my classmates and of course, Trinity badminton club.”

Another of the night’s major awards, Special Contribution to College Sport, went to the college’s Director of Rugby Tony Smeeth, who was presented with his trophy by rugby captain Nick McCarthy. Tony has devoted himself to the promotion and development of rugby in Trinity. The recent Colours match in College Park, where Trinity came from behind at half time to defeat UCD, is no doubt evidence of this.

This year’s event, held in the Dining Hall, was hosted by RTE sports presenter Evanne Ní Chuilinn and also featured guest of honour and athletics legend Sonia O’Sullivan, who participated in a lively Q&A session after dinner.

The Sports Awards, open to all the college’s sports clubs, are designed to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment made by the sporting community here in Trinity.

The six award categories and this year’s winners are:

• Club Administrator of the Year – Roisin Greening (Trampoline)
• Club of the Year – DU Sub Aqua Club
• Coach of the Year – Nick Dunlop (Boating)
• Team of the Year – DUBC Senior 8
• Sports Person of the Year – Prakash Vijayanath (Badminton)
• Special Contribution to College Sport – Tony Smeeth (Rugby)

Commenting on another impressive year of sport at Trinity, Head of Sport, Michelle Tanner said: “I want to congratulate the students on their outstanding achievements and praise how they have contributed to the success of Trinity Sport literally ‘Raising Our Game’”

In addition 21 ‘Pinks’ were presented on the night. Pinks are awarded to college athletes who compete for a university club at both inter-collegiate competitions and international levels.

Laura Frey  DU Harriers Pink recipient stated “It's such an honour to be awarded Pinks in the first place, but to have received them in the presence of Sonia O'Sullivan, one of Ireland's greatest ever sportspeople and athletics legend, was absolutely incredible! She's such an inspiration on and off the track and I was absolutely starstruck trying to talk to her afterwards. She was so kind and encouraging towards our whole team which was lovely – it was an unforgettable night!”