William Doherty, a 17-year-old student at Our Lady’s Secondary School, Belmullet, was named Senior Student of the Year 2009 for Entrepreneurial Spirit at the Bank of Ireland National Student Awards. Mayo celebrations heightened when footballer Shane Nally from St Colman’s College, Claremorris, was also called to the stage to accept the title of Senior Sport Student of the Year 2009.
The judges were particularly impressed by Doherty’s natural entrepreneurial spirit and his sheer tenacity. At just 17 he has developed many businesses including gardening, painting, and pedigree dog breeding. On the day of the demolition of Bellacorick Power Station Doherty erected a stand near the site where he quickly sold several paintings he had produced of the station to the retiring employees and secured further orders! Doherty dreams of being a true entrepreneur and of bringing sustainable business to his townland of Bangor Erris and beyond.
The announcement that Shane Nally was awarded Senior Sport Student of the Year 2009 came as little surprise to the people of Mayo. Already named Mayo Sports Person of the Year in 2008 this talented 18-year-old has already left his mark on Gaelic football in the county. Last year Nally led the Mayo minor team to a provincial title and onto the All Ireland final. He also captained St Colman’s to the Connacht Colleges Senior Football Championship, giving them their first title in 28 years and winning Man of the Match. The judges believe that Nally exemplifies leadership, dedication, ambition, and sportsmanship and is undoubtedly destined to continue to make history for Mayo football for many years to come.
Doherty and Nally were presented with their awards and a cash prize of €1,500 plus €3,000 for each of their schools at a gala ceremony on Friday May 8.
