The Jerry Kiernan Foundation, a new means of financial support for Irish athletes looking to develop their elite status, has opened an application process with a view to announcing successful candidates by early next month.
The grants are open to all athletics disciplines, track and field. The foundation was set up following Kiernan’s death after a short illness in January 2021, aged 67. His friend and long-term training partner Murt Coleman looked for a way to keep giving back some of what Kiernan had left behind, remembering him not just in words but some meaning too.
After his own highly successful running career, Kiernan brought similar enthusiasm to the students he taught for almost 40 years, and later the countless athletes he successfully coached.
"The recent European Cross-Country Championships showcased the immense potential which exists within Irish athletics and the exciting opportunities that can exist for international success with the right support," says Coleman, the foundation's chairman.
"Now, thanks to the outstanding support received from the athletic and business communities, the foundation is inviting applications from athletes for funding support in 2022. The Jerry Kiernan Foundation looks forward to helping to build the next generation of winners and we're delighted to launch the 2022 application process."
It is envisaged the funding may be standalone, or indeed supplement, any funding already provided by the governing body.
Athletes, aged between 18 and 40, will be assessed based on their previous achievements and longer-term potential, taking into account other sources of income or support available to them. The assessment process will be conducted by an independent panel, and application process will remain open for a three-week period, closing on February 20th.
The foundation expects to announce its supported athletes for 2022, by providing single- or multi-year grants, by the middle of March. For more see jerrykiernanfoundation.org.
