Lisburn’s sporting talent is celebrated at annual awards

The gala dinner, attended by approximately 200 people, was hosted by Mark Sidebottom and special guests included Dame Mary Peters, DBE and Dr Janet Gray, MBE. Guest speaker Tyrone GAA All Star Peter Canavan gave an inspirational speech to those who were gathered at the event.

Kurt Walker from Canal Boxing Academy was named as the Senior Sports Personality of the Year. Kurt is a superb young boxer who is ranked 2nd in Europe. Taking the Junior Sports Personality title was another boxer from Canal Boxing Academy; Jason McKay, who came second in last year’s European Championship.

Chairman of Leisure Services, Alderman Paul Porter, said: “The awards are a great opportunity to celebrate all the sporting talent from across our City. It has been a truly wonderful year for sport in the City of Lisburn.”

The Club of the Year award was won by Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club after another successful Ulster Grand Prix this year. Glendowan Football Club came second with Lisnagarvey Hockey Club announced as third.

Other category winners were Lisnagarvey Hockey Club Men’s 1st XI in the Senior Team of the Year; Wallace High School Judo Team in the School Team of the Year and Derriaghy Cricket Club U11 in the Junior Club Team of the Year. There were two joint winners for the Coach of the Year, namely Felix Yim from Lisburn Gladiators Fencing Club and Kim Kensitt from Salto Gymnastics Club.

The Merit Award was presented to Michael Bowden from Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

On behalf of Sport Lisburn, Vice-Chairman, David Edwards also awarded a total of 26 Sports Bursaries on the night.

The Lisburn Sports Personality of the Year awards take place annually and highlight the outstanding sporting individuals and clubs within the City of Lisburn.