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Jerry Kiernan Foundation announces list of athletes to be financially supported in 2026
Founded in 2021 to support the development of elite athletes, the Jerry Kiernan Foundation has announced 12 Irish athletes set to benefit from over €30,000 in funding for 2026, as part of its ongoing commitment to developing high performance talent. This latest round of support brings the Foundation’s total contribution to Irish athletes to more than €160,000 since its inception.
Established in memory of the late Jerry Kiernan, who placed ninth in the 1984 LA Olympic marathon and dedicated his life to helping students and athletes achieve their potential in the classroom and on the track. The Foundation has supported 45 athletes including Olympians, World Championship finalists and European Championship medallists.
On the international stage 2025 proved to be a very successful year for Jerry Kiernan Foundation supported athletes and alumni. Nicola Tuthill enjoyed a season to remember, winning European U23 silver, World University Games silver, and placing 11th at the World Championships.
In addition, multiple national titles were claimed by supported athletes, highlighted by Bori Akinola and Ciara Neville being crowned Ireland’s fastest man and woman and both also setting national records as part of their respective 4x100m relay teams. Efrem Gidey also set records over 10km on the road and track and Nicola Tuthill secured a national U23 record in the hammer.
Noteworthy performances by supported athletes in the 2025/2026 season include:
- Efrem Gidey (alumnus) set a new national record for 10km on the road in Valencia in January
- Bori Akinola setting a new national record over 60m indoors (6.54) in February
- In March we saw 4 of this year’s current athletes compete at the world indoor championships – Emma Moore (800m), Bori Akinola (60m), Ciara Neville and Lauren Roy (60m)
- Also in March, Nicola Tuthill (alumna) won silver in the hammer at European Throws Cup
The list of athletes to be financially supported by the Jerry Kiernan Foundation in 2026 includes:
- Bori Akinola – Sprints
- Fiona Everard – Distance
- Emma Moore – Mid Distance
- Ciara Neville – Sprints
- Oisin Joyce – Throws (Javelin)
- Laura Nicholson – Mid Distance
- Cormac Dalton – Distance
- Jack O’Leary – Distance
- David McGlynn – Distance
- Lauren Roy – Sprints
- Conor Cusack – Throws (Javelin)
- Oisin Lane – Race Walk
The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to its valued sponsors, whose continued generosity has been instrumental in making this support possible: Davy, John Buckley Sports (Cork), Sisk, Beauchamps, Roughan & O’Donovan, Santry Sports Clinic, Hayes Solicitors, Willow Park National School, Cemex, and CMC.
Announcing the awards, the Foundation’s chairperson Murt Coleman said:
“On behalf of the Jerry Kiernan Foundation, I am proud to announce the launch of our 2026 cohort of supported athletes. These achievements build on a tremendous 2025, our biggest year to date in terms of growth and where our athletes and alumni delivered national titles, record-breaking performances, and major international success.
“What is equally important to us is the impact beyond performance. Our athletes continue to engage with schools and communities across the country, inspiring young people through their stories of dedication and resilience. This is central to the legacy of Jerry Kiernan, who believed deeply in the power of encouragement and opportunity. As we look ahead, we are extremely optimistic about the future. This group of athletes not only represents the next generation of Irish athletics but also carries forward a legacy of excellence, integrity, and inspiration. I would like to congratulate each of them and thank all those who continue to support our mission.”
Supporting the Foundation
The Jerry Kiernan Foundation is a not-for-profit company and is funded exclusively through donations and sponsorship. Individuals or organisations interested in assisting directly can donate through the website or directly via email to info@jerrykiernanfoundation.org.
Foundation is also seeking long term partnerships with corporates and individuals on a structured basis to fund its objectives.
For more information on the Jerry Kiernan Foundation and its mission to support Irish athletes, please visit www.jerrykiernanfoundation.com.
For further information:
Murt Coleman (Chairman) 087 739 2262
Email info@jerrykiernanfoundation.org.
Facebook The Jerry Kiernan Foundation
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jerrykiernanFoundation/
Twitter @JKiernanFund