Awards evening celebrates the best of Ballymoney's sporting stars
Mon, October 17, 2016
Ballymoney’s talented sports people have been recognised at the town’s annual Sports Awards.
The event took place in the Town Hall on Saturday evening.
The awards were presented by the Chairman of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Leisure and Development Committee, Councillor Boyd Douglas.
Speaking after the event, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, said: “I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to all the nominees and winners. Although a small town in terms of population, it is huge in the amount of sport champions it turns out year after year. The sports men and women of this town are among the best in the province as our nominees include All Ireland, Ulster, British, European and World Medallists. I hope this wealth of talent continues to bring success and honour to our region for many years to come.”
The winners
Junior Sports Team of the Year- Dalriada School U16 Girls Volleyball Team
The team claimed victory in the Northern Ireland League and Cup. Following this, they not only won the All Ireland, but were chosen as ‘Team of the Year’ at the Northern Ireland Volleyball Awards.
Junior Sportswoman of the Year – Laura McGahey, Archery
At such a young age, Laura is not only the Irish U18 Champion in her age group but the Irish Ladies Champion as a whole. She also won Bronze at the Archery U18 British Championships.
Junior Sports Man of the Year
Due to the strength of this category, the judging committee felt that they should recognise and present an U14 award and the winner of this award is swimmer Andrew Harris.
Andrew has been a keen, strong swimmer for many years and was part of the Ballymoney Swimming Club that won the Ulster U12 Relay Title. In his own right, Andrew has achieved tremendous things with honours such as the U13 Irish National Champion in 800m freestyle and a bronze medallist in The Irish National at 1500m.
Junior Sports Man of the Year - Shay Donley- Cycling
Shay’s sporting successes are quite remarkable with titles including Ulster Track Champion and Ulster Road Race champion. His achievements do not stop here though, as he is not only the U15 Irish Criterium Champion but the U15 Irish Time Trial Champion.
Sports Administrator – Kathryn Speers- Rugby
Kathryn is receiving this award due to her selfless dedication and passion for Ballymoney Rugby Club. As well as coaching the under 8s, Kathryn has been an integral part of the club as a whole. Her organisational approach, fundraising efforts and forward thinking in helping to progress her beloved club are second to none. She has helped to create an ‘all inclusive’ family atmosphere within Ballymoney Rugby Club and is the first point of contact for all new members. Her drive, kindness and enthusiasm is very clear to see.
Coach of the Year- June Traill- Swimming
June has been the driving force and head coach of the very successful Ballymoney Swimming Club for at least the past ten years. Last year, she coached the club to win Division 3 of the Provincial Town’s League and automatic provision to Division 2. She also coached the club’s U12s relay team to the Ulster Title and had four Ballymoney Swimmers competing at the Irish Nationals. It is significant to note that two of them ended up on the winning podium, taking home one gold and two bronze. June spends three evenings a week coaching for her local club showing her dedication as a ‘behind the scenes’ mentor. Pictured below is Andrew Brown, who collected the award on June's behalf.
Sports Merit Award- Ballymoney RFC Fours XV
Ballymoney RFC Fours XV are worthy winners of this award as they were unbeaten winners of the Minor League this year. The team also clinched the McCambley Cup, The Ravenhill Cup and The Robinson Memorial Cup.
The Special Award- John Nicholl- Archery
John was born deaf and then subsequently lost his sight as an adult through Usher’s syndrome. He began archery three years ago and with the help of his coach Chris McFadyen, his technique and ability led him into the competitive nature of the sport. This year he won the NI Championships and was runner up in The British Visually Impaired Championships. However, his most significant success was being placed 2nd at The European Visually Impaired Championships in France. To date, John is the only visually impaired archer who is also deaf.
Services to Sport- Diane Kirgan- Hockey
Diane has been playing hockey since she was a school girl at Ballycastle High School. Since then, she has been a key member of Ballymoney Hockey Club and won the Mc Connell Shield in 1995 as well as being part of the 1st XI team who remained unbeaten in the league and reached the top league in Ulster in 1997. Diane was also most significantly part of the club’s most famous victory - a 1-0 win over arch rivals Pegasus in The Irish Senior Cup final in 2001. Throughout the years, Diane has had many roles including 1st XI Captain, Club Captain and Club president.
Sports Team of the Year- Rodney Kane and Barry Kane- Bowls
This duo have won this award due to the fact that they are not only Ireland’s Pairs Champions but because they have also competed at a national level and were named The British Isles Pairs Champions.
Sports Woman of the Year- Claire McAvoy- Triathlons
Claire has only taken up this sport recently but has achieved a podium finish in every triathlon she completed during the 2015/2016 season in Northern Ireland. She was the second overall female Irish finisher for her age group at The Ironman European Championship in Frankfurt and 18th overall in her age group. She was also selected for the Triathlon Ireland Age Group squad for both the European Sprint championship in May and the age group squad for the middle distance European championship in Austria in August.
Sports Man of the Year 2016- Michael Dunlop- Motorcycling
Michael is the Isle of Man TT Senior and Superbike Winner and holds the fastest TT Course Record. He was also the Superbike winner at the North West and has four Superbike wins at Southern 100. Pictured below is Valerie Shields, who collected the award on Michael's behalf.
International Sports Person of the Year- Chris Mc Fadyen- Archery
Chris has had an array of achievements in 2016. He has represented GB at the Invictus Games in Florida where he was the GB Archery Team Captain. Chris won a silver medal in the individual event and secured gold in the team event. He is undoubtedly a fantastic ambassador for this sport.
The regional heat was held ahead of the overall Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Sports Awards gala evening, which takes place on Friday, November 4th in the Lodge Hotel. Tickets priced at £20 per person are now available from Cloonavin in Coleraine, Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney, Scroggy Road Sports Pavilion, Limavady and Sheskburn Recreation Centre, Ballycastle.