Steven's big year off to a flying start

The 21-year-old Ballymena man has a whirlwind few month ahead of him, which he hopes will culminate in the Commonwealth Games in Delhi in September.

And he was given the perfect boost last week when he was named Adult Sportsperson of the Year in the annual Ballymena Borough Council Sports Awards for his stellar performances in 2009.

The All Saints boxer wasn't able to attend the function as he was busy with preparations for the defence of his Ulster Senior light-welterweight title, which began last night (Monday).

But his coach Gerry Hamill told Times Sport: "Steven was absolutely delighted when he heard the news.

"He has won awards in America and Australia but being recognised in his hometown awards gave him as much satisfaction as any of them, if not more."

The big dates keep on coming for Donnelly after the Ulster championships, where he will be aiming for the third senior title of his career.

There are decisions ahead, such as whether to go to the Commonwealth Championships – a pre-cursor to the main games, also in India, in March – or opt for the Irish Senior championships.

"The India trip would be a fantastic one but my preference would be for Steven to gain vital experience at the Irish Seniors.

"At the club, we feel that Steven has never been better prepared and we feel he is ready to give the Irish Seniors a good go.

"I'm still confident that not only will Steven go to the Commonwealth Games, but that he has the technique and ability to bring home a medal," says Hamill, who won gold at the 1978 games in Edmonton.

Meanwhile, the All Saints production line appears to have churned out another star in the making, in the shape of 16-year-old Joel Scullion, who has been selected for the Northern ireland team to go to the British Boys' Club Championship in England next month.

The Ballymoney Road teenager – along with club-mate Niall McKernan – won a title at the recent Northern Ireland event.

"Joel has come on in leaps and bounds. He has really knuckled down to his training and he has someone like Steven Donnelly to look up to," added Gerry.