DUBLIN, IRELAND (Team Geared Up) World Surf Kayaking Champion, Irish Paddler of the Year and 3rd year student at DCU, Lenny Kelleher - gets no funding!! Because his sport isn’t recognised by his college. How scandalous is that! How many world champs do you know with no funding?! (I believe his brother is also ranked in the Freestyle kayaking world top 10.)

Crazy…..

EDIT: I should have included this promo video in my original post: Len Kelleher Promo Vid.

-Aisling-

LONDON, UK (Team Geared Up) - The Great Outdoors Canoeing Awards were held on November 24th At Green Isle Hotel, Dublin. Read the post “Kelleher is Crowned King at Great Outdoors Canoeing Awards”. TGU love IrishFreeStyle.com and love featuring their photos (see above!).

The awards went something like this:

Paddler of the year (The Salmon Leap Trophy)-Winner LEN KELLEHER-World champion in kayak surf this October.

Junior paddler of the year (The Celbridge Paddler Trophy)-Winner BARRY WATKINS-European Junior Champion in Flatwater racing and medallist in marathon Worlds.

Club of the year (The Richmond Canoe Club Trophy)-Winner WILD WATER KAYAK CLUB-Irelands largest and most active canoe club.

Coach/Instructor of the year (The Training Unit Trophy)-Winner MARTIN MCCARTHY-Based in Wild-water kayak club .

Outstanding contribution (The Weirgate Trophy-In Memory of Ken & Violet Cooper)-Winner PADDY MALONEY-Our octogenerian competitor was honoured as one of the founders of canoeing in Ireland.

Outstanding support (The Brendan O’Connell Trophy)-Winner ESB-Our key partner across the disciplines of canoeing over the last 50 years.

-Robin-

(Image Credit: Bosco, not giving up without a fight!!!, Big Boat Bonanza - 2007)