IT was a special Saturday night at the Donegal Athletics Board Awards where former international athlete and current Lifford Strabane AC club coach and committee member Sharon Gallen (nee Foley) was the recipient of the Donegal Athletics Hall of Fame Award.
On the night, Brendan O’Donnell outlined a glittering career in athletics that started with a young 11 year old walking through the gates of what was then Lifford AC in 1983. It was clear from the outset that Sharon had a special talent winning a silver medal that year in the All Ireland T&F Long Jump.
Like all young athletes, guided by a coaching philosophy that continues to this day, Sharon tried out all events – everything from cross country through to sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws. In a career that spanned 20 years, Sharon collected medals and titles across all those disciplines from U13 through to Schools, Junior, U23 and senior – an incredible 40 All Ireland gold medals over 20 years.
Sharon’s first Irish vest was claimed at a heptathlon event in Spain in 1988 and over the course of her career, represented Ireland 27 times across 16 countries.
In 1989, Sharon claimed her first Irish senior title in the high jump, and in the same year won the U17 and Irish Schools High Jump titles.
In 1990, Sharon competed at the European Indoors in Glasgow.
Sharon’s career highlight was selection to compete for Ireland in the high jump at the 1993 World Championships in Stuttgart, the first Donegal born woman to compete at a Worlds. Such success by a young Lifford girl has paved the way for many other aspiring athletes from the county over past 30 years. Sharon has also held All Ireland, Ulster and Donegal records over the course of her career and hung up her spikes in 2003.
Brendan highlighted that while many like Sharon have gained much from the sport as an athlete, what has been commendable has been her ability to give back to the sport, her club and the local community. Since 2003, Sharon has been integral to the development of the club’s facilities, coaching and administration at the club. Brendan also paid tribute to Sharon’s mum and dad Mary and Alan Foley and to her husband Martin Gallen for the support they have given and continue to give the club down the years.
Where Sharon has left off as an athlete, her children Adrienne and Caoimhe have taken on the torch and are making their own waves now in the sport of athletics.
Brendan concluded by saying he was honoured to be asked to present the award to Sharon on behalf of the County Board and said it was something his dad Ben would have been proud to see.
In an address to the large crowd in attendance, Sharon spoke of her delight and appreciation at receiving the award. Sharon paid tribute to her late coach Ben O’Donnell for his guidance down through the years. A clearly emotional Sharon also paid tribute to her parents and family for the support and backing they gave her as an athlete and to her husband Martin for his support and guidance.
Some of Sharon’s career highlights included: 27 senior Irish caps; World Athletics Championships 1993; European Indoors 1990; 40 All Ireland gold medals; 8 Europa Cups; 2 European Cub Combined Events; 22 senior Irish titles including; 6 x High Jump Indoors; 6 x High Jump Outdoors; 4 x Multi Events Outdoors; 3 x Multi Events Indoors; 2 x Triple Jump Indoors; 1 x Triple Jump Outdoors.
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