Record number of entries for local awards ceremony

Newtownabbey Council, which runs the annual event, has been inundated with a superb 49 entries. Its awards committee now has the unenviable task of shortlisting each of the seven categories to three and picking a winners before the gala dinner at the Theatre at the Mill on Wednesday April 14.

Dean Holmes, the council’s Sport and Play Development Officer, said: “This is a fantastic number of entries and shows the depth of sporting talent and it will certainly be a fantastic night in April. The sports awards committee would like to congratulate all the nominees on their achievement and it cannot be underestimated what a fantastic achievement it is to be nominated.”

Again this year the Junior Team of the Year will be shortlisted by an internet vote and details on how you can register your vote will be published soon.

If you would like to attend the Sport Awards to celebrate the sporting achievements in the Borough, you can register your interest before the tickets go on public sale by contacting Jenni Coulter on 028 9034 0037 or via email at [email protected]

A total of 49 entries and are as follows:

Club of the Year: Zanshin Karate Jutsu, Carnmoney Football Development Centre, Merville Ju-Jitsu Club, Abbots Cross Special Olympics Club, Ulster Elks Women’s Hockey Club, Ballyclare Comrades F.C, Newtownabbey Racers Special Olympics Club.

Adult Sportsperson of the Year: David Welsh (Martial Arts), Robert Cassells (Martial Arts), Gareth Maybin (Golf), Jamie Hamilton (Motorcycling), Jonny Evans (Football).

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Glenn McFarlane (Martial Arts), Joanna Mills (Athletics and Hockey), Sophie McCoo (Gymnastics), David Neill (Cycling), Lisa Cardwell (Judo), Andrew Purcell (Wrestling), Rebecca Foreman (Swimming, Athletics, Netball).

Services to Sport: Michael Maguire (Table Tennis), Stewart Beattie (Martial Arts), Artie Campbell (Cricket), Andrea McCullough (Hockey), Greg Hopkins (Athletics), Brian Stirling (Rugby), Francie Lorimer (Football), Adrian McBride (Football), Alison Kelly (DAANI), George Brown (Sports Reporting).

Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability: Amy Kennedy (DAANI), Charlotte Hall (Swimming), James Hamilton (Athletics), David Kelly (DAANI).

Coach of the Year: Ricky Lee (Hockey), Greg Hopkins (Athletics), Alison McMullan (Gymnastics), Mike McKeever (Rugby), Stewart Beattie (Martial Arts), June McKeown (Netball).

Junior Team of the Year: Ballyclare Junior Netball Team, Ballyclare Junior Netball U16 Team, Carnmoney Football Development Centre U12, Merville Ju-Jitsu Club, Abbey Gymnastics Senior Squad, Ballyclare High Senior Girls Athletics team, Ballyclare High Girls Intermediate Table Tennis team, Ballyclare High Girls Intermediate Cross Country team, 16th Newtownabbey BB U14s, Glengormley High School U14 Athletics team.