Call for one major sports awards

Speaking at the North Antrim sports awards in Lissanoure Castle, Loughgiel, Mr. Lyle McMullan, Editor of the Ballymoney and Moyle Times, urged public representatives from the Borough and Moyle district to use their influence and back the need for a re-think on the matter.

Addressing an audience of almost 300 people, Mr. McMullan referred to the Ballymoney Sports Awards held in the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre the previous evening as well as Moyle Sports Awards scheduled to take place later this year.

He said at a time when the public purse was being trimmed and people were being asked to make savings, it was a nonsense to have three award ceremonies two of which were funded, in part, by public money.

"Councils have been asked to make savings and this seems a sensible way forward. The North Antrim Awards are funded solely by donations from local businesses and the organisation and planning of the event is undertaken by staff at the Times," Mr. McMullan said.

He added that there was clear duplication in many of the award categories and that people were being forced to make choices.

There was support for Mr. McMullan's proposal. Councillor Cathal Newcombe said he would be taking up the matter with Moyle Council and Councillor Bill Kennedy, Mayor of Ballymoney, said there was merit in the suggestion and that all parties should get together.

"Many people ask me why we have two awards in Ballymoney and I also find it strange," he said.

Saturday night's ceremony was one of the best to date with former Northern Ireland International and Leicester City player, John O'Neill, saying he was highly impressed.

"I attend a lot of functions like this and this ranks with the very best. I was bowled over when I came in and saw not only the attendance but the setting. It was magnificent," he added.

BBC reporter, Joel Taggart, said he was highly impressed by the event and experienced technicians who provided sound and pictures said it was a thoroughly professional exercise.