The Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre, rolled out the red carpet on Friday night to welcome 380 guests to the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Junior Sports Awards 2017.
The event celebrated what was an unforgettable year of sporting glory at a local level and pay tribute to the sports stars of the Borough.
The prestigious awards show, which was compered by Denise Watson from UTV Sport, featured a total of 69 nominations shortlisted across 12 categories.
The wealth of talent being honoured demonstrated that the Borough has a vast, rich and diverse pool of people who merit recognition for their outstanding sporting achievements and performances throughout the year.
Organised in partnership with the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum, the evening brought together athletes, teams, coaches, clubs and volunteers, recognising and rewarding their achievements and celebrating commitment and excellence in participation and performance.
Addressing the award nominees, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Gareth Wilson, said: “At awards ceremonies like this we are always delighted at the level of excellence achieved in the sporting arena by the clubs, schools and individuals in the Borough.
“This year is no exception and is demonstrated by the attendance here tonight.
“It is a pleasure for the Council to recognise your talents through these Awards and in so doing hopefully offer you the encouragement to go on to bigger and better things.”
The Sport Forum were overwhelmed, not least by the number of nominations, but primarily by the exceptional high standard of achievement which included Ulster, Irish, and Great Britain representation, as well competing at European and World Level.
Edith Jamison Chairman of the Sports Forum extended her thanks to the Lord Mayor for the support offered from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council which enables them to organise such important events and celebrate the sporting excellence across the Borough.
They also paid thanks to the new headline sponsor House of Sport Intersport and each of the individual category sponsors.
The awardees recognised at this year’s awards ceremony are as follows:
Volunteer Awards sponsored by House of Sport, Intersport:
Katie McCauley from Banbridge Special Olympics Club; Victoria Bushby from Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club and Megan Grimason form Portadown Panthers.
Sports Person with a Disability sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council:
Caolon McConville from Ski Ability Craigavon who won a silver and bronze medal at the World Special Olympics Winter Games.
Junior School Team of the Year sponsored by Ian Donnelly Associates:
St Patrick’s Grammar School, Armagh, Year 8 Boys Gaelic Football Team who had double Ulster glory winning both the Oisin McGrath Shield and the McQuillan Cup.
Junior Club Team of the Year sponsored by Linwoods:
Portadown Youth Football Club’s U14 Boys Team who lifted the Northern Ireland Boys Football Association’s National Cup.
Youth School Team of the Year sponsored by House of Sport Intersport:
Banbridge Academy Girls 1st XI Hockey Team who had the perfect end to a perfect season winning both the Belfast Telegraph Ulster Senior School Girls Cup and the Kate Russell All Ireland Schools Trophy.
Youth Club Team of the Year sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council:
City of Armagh Rugby Club’s U18 Team who won both the Ulster Youth League and Edgar Bowman Cup.
School Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland:
Banbridge Academy’s Girls 1st XI Hockey Team’s successful Head Coach Neil Madeley
Club Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland:
Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club’s Head Coach Kevin Broderick whose students won a total of 57 gold, 40 silver and 42 bronze medals.
Chairman’s Award sponsored by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Fourm:
King’s Park Primary School who won Northern Ireland Titles with the Boys Cross Country Team, Girls Cross Country Team and Boys Football Team.
Junior Male of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping:
Adam Wilson from Banbridge Amateur Swimming Club who won silver at the Irish Age Group International Championships.
Junior Female of the Year sponsored by House of Sport Intersport:
Great Britain Olympic Elite Programme member Jodie McKew who won silver at the World Ranking Dutch Open Olympic Event.
Youth Male of the Year sponsored by Donaghy’s Shoefair Sports
Ballyvally Archery Club member Jake Walsh who won a gold and silver medal at the European Youth Cup.
Youth Female of the Year sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies
Annabel Wilson from Lurgan Golf Club who was part of the Irish Team that won a bronze medal at the World Amateur Team Championships.
