ALL ROADS LEAD TO LISSANOURE

Judges will finalise their decisions on who should come out on top in each of the 14 categories this week - and with the area brimming with sporting talent it is one of the toughest years yet for deciding winners.

Now in it's fourth year, the North Antrim Sports Awards has established itself as the number one such awards ceremony in the area, and one of the most successful and highly regarded anywhere in Northern Ireland.

Indeed, following last year's event, Ballymoney Mayor and Armoy Clerk of the Course Bill Kennedy said the North Antrim Sports Awards was the best event of it's kind outside of Belfast.

This year's extravaganza is set to be the best yet with a fantastic evening's entertainment planned for the event which is now sold-out.

Former Northern Ireland international, John O'Neill, is the guest speaker and it is hoped he will be joined by an ex-captain of the side, Jim Magilton.

O'Neill, who enjoyed a career with Leicester City, Queen's Park Rangers and a brief spell at Norwich, will be reflecting on his playing days at club level and especially on the international stage during which he gained 39 caps for Northern Ireland and played in two World Cups - 1982 and 1986.

Now working as a television and radio presenter, O'Neill is one of the most respected figures in football circles and he told the Times he was looking forward to attending the Awards.

"It will be good to meet local sportsmen and women who have earned their place at the Awards ceremony," O'Neill said.

The awards ceremony will be hosted by another BBC presenter, Joel Taggart.

This will be Joel's third time behind the microphone as compere and his wit and one-liners have made him a popular figure with audiences.

Of the special guest, Joel said: "John O'Neill is a great speaker and the audience will enjoy some of the funnier moments from his footballing career."

It is expected that former QPR manager, Jim Magilton, 'Winkie' Murphy from Linfield and a host of other stars including former world strongest man, Dave Warner, and Glenn Ross will be present for a night of celebration.

Iris's Kitchen, whose food has been praised so much in the past, is again doing the catering once again.