Former headteacher recognised at Knowsley awards

A former headteacher of St Laurence’s Primary School in Kirkby, has been recognised for his outstanding work at the Knowsley Sports and Cultural Awards 2015.

Paul Cronin was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his instrumental work in establishing the Kirkby Primary School Sports Association.

Under Paul’s guidance St Laurence’s were also past winners of the Outstanding Commitment to Sport Award at the Educate Awards in 2012.

His work has made a massive difference to countless local people who have been given opportunities to compete in sports that they otherwise might not have had.

Under his stewardship his school gained a Sainsbury’s School Games Mark Gold Award in 2011 and at one point offered 30 sports clubs in an average week. Now retired, Paul’s legacy continues at the school where the sporting opportunities remain.

More than 200 guests attended the event, which was compered by Radio City’s sports editor Steve Hothersall with guest speaker Roy Evans, former Liverpool FC manager to celebrate and honour local people who have inspired others with their achievements, or who work tirelessly to support sports and culture in the borough.

Young Artist of the Year went to 15-year-old Chloe Collins, a talented young singer from Lord Derby Academy, who also performed at the awards evening. Chloe writes her own material and is rapidly building up quite a following locally, and now has several record companies interested in offering her a record deal.

Meanwhile, Young Sports Person of the Year was Conor Rooney. Conor attends St Edmund Arrowsmith in Whiston and is one of the best young wheelchair racers around at the moment. He recently took part in the Typhoo National Junior Athletics Championships winning two golds and two silvers in his classification. His ambition now is to represent Great Britain in the Paralympics.

Musical entertainment on the night came from young singer Chloe Collins from Lord Derby Academy; up and coming local band Skylights and the Evelyn Community Staff Choir. Meanwhile, the guests enjoyed a martial arts demonstration from Kuk Sool Won, dance from 12-year-old world champion Macy Donnelly, another Lord Derby Academy student. There was also a rousing performance from Kirkby’s All Saints Centre for Learning students who performed part of their production of Mamma Mia.