Young stars are honoured

YOUNG sporting starts in the the Craigavon area were honoured recently.

Craigavon Sports Advisory Council recognised the many achievements of junior teams and individuals at its annual Junior Sports Personality of the Year Awards at a gala evening at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre.

This year the committee received over 51 nominations in six categories, including 17 teams, with every nominee receiving a medal from Triathlon star and special guest Portadown’s Conor Murphy. Sponsors on the evening were Kingspan Environmental Ltd, NA Sports, The GAA Store and The Beautiful Game.

Speaking at the evening, Conor was particularly impressed with the calibre of the young athletes.

“All present at this ceremony have a lot to feel good about. They have dedicated their efforts and achieved the highest accolade possible in their own particular sport. I know that everyone involved is equally proud of all of their achievements,” he said.

The Minor Girl Award went to talented golfer Niamh Ward from St Mary’s High School for her exceptional achievements throughout the season.

Niamh represented Ireland in the Scottish Girls U16 Championships and finished fourth in the Lahinch Scratch Trophy. This is a prestigious adult competition with competitors from all over Ireland.

In the closely contested Junior Girls category, the award was shared between two very talented sportswomen.

Laura Casey was recognised for her exceptional achievements in Triathlon where she was placed ninth in the U19 Girls World Youth Olympics in Singapore and finished in the top 30 in the U20 Elite Junior Women Triathlon Championships in Budapest.

Natalie Barr was also a winner, for a season which saw her captain Ulster to success at the UK School Games and also Lurgan College First Eleven Hockey Squad to Mid-Ulster, Ulster and All-Ireland triumphs. Natalie was selected onto the Ulster U21 Squad maintaining her record of representing Ulster for five consecutive seasons at each age group.

In the boys’ categories, Badminton star Martin Lau took the honours in the minor section after enjoying a season which saw him placed third in the Irish U15 Boys Singles Championships and becoming both the Irish U15 Boys Doubles Champions and Irish U15 Mixed Doubles Champions.