Local Recognition for International Champion

Irish world lightweight singles champion Sinead Jennings has been selected by her home country to receive the Donegal Sportsperson of the Year award.

Jennings, who was one of the four Irish gold medallists at last years FISA Rowing World Championships in Lucerne in the lightweight women’s single sculls follows Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given and Indy car racer Damien Faulkner in this local title.

"I have received a few national awards, but to receive one from my home country means a lot," said Jennings of the award. "I grew up in Donegal and have seen many sportspeople receive this award, to get one myself makes me proud".

"A lot of my sporting has been done in Donegal so I’m very happy to get a local award" she adds. Jennings started her sporting career as a triathlete before moving to rowing just over two years ago.

Jennings was unable to attend the ceremony last week in Letterkenny, Donegal due to early morning trials scheduled in Glasgow the next day. The award was presented to her parents on her behalf.

The 25-year-old’s plans for the future are not yet fully established. She will be concentrating mainly on the World Cup and World Championships season this year in the single, but may attempt the lightweight double – the only Olympic women’s lightweight boat class.

"It is a dream to do an Olympic double" says Jennings, but she adds that this will depend on finding a suitable partner to make up the crew.

Jennings is currently combining a tough regime of working and training twice daily in Edinburgh, Scotland.