Rising sports stars are honoured

Over 445 people gathered at the Armagh City Hotel on Wednesday, September 30 to celebrate what was an unforgettable year of sporting glory at a local level as the inaugural Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Junior Sports Awards 2015 honoured the rising sporting stars of the Borough.
The award winners and guests.The award winners and guests.
The award winners and guests.

The prestigious event featured a total of 66 nominations shortlisted across 12 categories.

This wealth of talent demonstrated the area has a vast, rich and diverse pool of young people who merit recognition for their outstanding sporting achievements and performances throughout 2014/2015.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The ceremony was one of the first major awards events for the new Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough and was organised in partnership with Armagh Sports Forum, Banbridge District Sports Association and Craigavon Sports Advisory Council. The evening brought together amateur athletes, coaches and volunteers from 31 disciplines, recognising and rewarding their achievements and celebrating commitment to and excellence in participation and performance.

Colm Rooney recieves the McLeans Man of the Match award from John O Neill.Colm Rooney recieves the McLeans Man of the Match award from John O Neill.
Colm Rooney recieves the McLeans Man of the Match award from John O Neill.

Speaking to the young nominees at the awards Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Darryn Causby, said, “It is an honour to be here with you this evening to celebrate your achievements.

“Each of you are here because your dedication, commitment and hard work have enabled you to excel in your sport of choice. You are a credit to the Borough and an inspiration to us all.”

In a joint statement, the Chair of each of the three Sports Advisories extended their thanks to the Lord Mayor and to the support offered from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council which enables them to organises such important events celebrating the sporting excellence across the Borough. They also wanted to pay thanks to headline sponsor Linwoods and each of the individual category sponsors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The awardees recognised at this year’s awards ceremony include:

Volunteer Award (18 and Under) sponsored by Linwoods: Rachel McDonnell from Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club; Alana Kerr from Banbridge Netball Club; and Orla Young from Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club.

Sports Person with a Disability sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council :

Joint winners from Ski Ability - Caolan McConville and Jonathan Lyness who were gold medallists at the Giant and Novice Slalom advancement competitions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Junior Male of the Year sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Ballyvally Archer Jake Walsh who finished 2nd in the Europa Cup.

Junior Female of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping: World Kickboxing Champion Jesse-Jane McParland.

Junior Club Team of the Year sponsored by Raffles: All Ireland Handball Champions Clann Eireann GAC - U14 Doubles Team.

Junior School Team of the Year sponsored by House of Sport: Ulster Primary School’s McGreevy Cup winners St Patrick’s Primary School, Armagh, Gaelic Football Team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Youth Male of the Year sponsored by Donaghy’s Shoefair Sports: European Silver medallist from Banbridge Cycling Club – Mark Downey.

Youth Female of the Year sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies: Irish, Scottish and Welsh Open Champion and Youth Olympic Games competitor – Tandragee Golf Club’s Olivia Mehaffey.

Youth Club Team of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping: UK Novice Eventing Champions – Iveagh Branch of the Pony Club.

Youth Club Team of the Year Sponsored by Ian Donnelly Associates: Ulster School’s Burney Cup winners and Irish School’s semi-finalists – Banbridge Academy 1st XI Boys hockey team.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

School Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland: Dromore High School’s Rugby Coach – Jacques Benade.

Junior Club Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland: Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club’s Kevin Broderick.

Chairman’s Award sponsored by Armagh Sports Forum, Banbridge District Sports Association and Craigavon Sports Advisory Council:

Ballyvally Archer Rebecca Lennon .

Related topics: