The tension is building with just over three weeks until The National Athletics Awards in association with Waterford Crystal take place. It is definitely time to start booking the hairdresser and the manicurist for the night of November 17th!!! The ticket hotline has been very busy - there are still a small number of tickets available though if by some small chance you haven't booked yourself a seat - call Moira on 01 886 9933 for information on this. Last Thursday, there was a press conference to launch the nominations in the various categories where this is relevant. John Foley from Waterford Crystal and Eamonn Coghlan (Chairman now also of the Awards Selection Panel as well as the "Boards") were there and both spoke eloquently and positively about the event and Irish Athletics in general. In the categories where there are nominations, the list of nominees is as follows:- Track Athlete of the Year Paul Hession Roisin McGettigan David Gillick Joanne Cuddihy Race Walking Athlete of the Year Robert Heffernan Jamie Costin Colin Griffin Olive Loughnane Cross Country / Road Athlete of the Year Fionnuala Britton Gary Murray Mary Cullen Mark Christie Junior Athlete of the Year Kelly Proper Eoin Hannon John Coghlan Jessie Barr The success of the Awards Programme is dependent on the integrity of the process of nominating and selecting the eventual award winners. The selection panel has worked hard and had to make some tough decisions. The envelopes have now been sealed and are safely stored. The categories of Club of the Year and Coach / Mentor of the Year will be awarded based on submissions from clubs and individuals and the shortlist in each of these categories will be showcased on the website in the weeks between now and November 17th. The Outstanding Performance of the Year is being decided by the athletics media and the votes have now been cast. We are creating a Hall of Fame also and that of course will be a major highlight on the night. Please check back for more updates as the date gets closer