Former Northern Ireland footballer inducted into Mid and East Antrim’s Sporting Hall of Fame

Gareth McAuley ( back row, centre), and fellow award winners with the Mayor, Cllr Maureen Morrow, at Larne Leisure Centre.

The Larne native, who won 80 international caps, began his career in the Irish League with Crusaders and spent his last season at Rangers in 2018-19.

Having made his debut in June 2005, McAuley’s finest moment in a Northern Ireland shirt came when he scored the first goal in a 2-0 win over Ukraine at the Euro 2016 finals in France.

The best of the borough’s sporting talent was celebrated at the ceremony in Larne Leisure Centre.

Nominees from the sporting world including coaches, teams and individuals battled it out in nine categories to clinch the trophies.

Northern Ireland boccia Paralympian Claire Taggart broke new ground after being crowned Sportsperson of the Year and Sportsperson with a Disability.

The other winners were: Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Joshua Hill, golf; School Sporting Performance – Ballymena Academy cross country team; Coach of the Year – Gary Marshall, equestrian; Services to Sport – Ronnie McKeegan, cycling; Team of the Year – Ballymena United FC; Community Participation Award – Ballymena Saturday Morning League.

Two £500 bursaries from Balon Sportswear were awarded to Anna O’Kane, GAA and Niall Hynds, rugby & GAA.

The Mayor, Cllr Maureen Morrow, said: “The awards are a fantastic opportunity for council to acknowledge and congratulate the success of our talented athletes, coaches and volunteers who deserve the recognition for all their hard work and ongoing dedication. I would also like to thank all of our sponsors who make this event possible.

“These winners will now act as role models for the future generations in our borough to get involved in many sports and who knows, may even become champions themselves. Building healthier communities is a key priority for council and what better way to show off the calibre of talent we have here than by celebrating our unsung sporting heroes with these awards.”

The award sponsors were: McCadden, Ryobi Aluminium, Pollock Lifts, Wilsons of Rathkenny, Larne Credit Union, Balon Sportswear, Signtime and Stirling Trophies.