Winners galore at Carniny Youth FC prize nights

The Under 9s, 10s, 11s and 12s received their awards on Friday evening with the ‘senior’ teams the under 13s, 14s, 15s and 16s on the Saturday.

On both evenings both Club Secretary Billy O’Flaherty and Chairman Anthony McCartney addressed the gatherings thanking the club sponsors Mulholland Scrap Metals, Ace Fixings, Algram, Dyson, Hulls, Robinsons Costcutters for their much valued support throughout the year.

They both went on to congratulate all the teams on their performances throughout the season and in particular those teams playing in the NIBFA National League who are playing against the top teams in the Province.

The pair also thanked the parents for their support throughout the year in bringing their children to the club for training and matches week in week out. They also thanked all the ‘back room’ staff at the club who carry out all the tasks that keep the club running smoothly form year to year.

Ballymena United Committee member John Taggart was also there on the seniors evening and was happy to address the club members on the night.

John praised the work that Carniny Youth is doing in the local footballing community and also welcomed this years under 15 and 16s into the Ballymena senior set up when they will develop into the BUFC 16s and 17s next season. He encouraged them to take this opportunity to do well and was hopeful that they could provide some home grown talent for the local Irish league side.

On the first night a new club award was introduced when Artie McAuley was happy to present the ‘Stewartie McAuley Junior Team of the Year’ Award to Carniny Under 11s who manged to reach the NIBFA Cup semi Finals this season.

Stewartie is fondly remembered at present day Carniny Youth as he was the original founder of Carniny many years ago. It was therefore a fitting tribute that the Award was presented by Stewartie’s son Artie to one of the youngest teams at the club as these were the age of boys he introduced to the club way back then.

On the second evening another new award was introduced when Peter Mullan presented the Bob Mullan Senior Team of the Year’ award to Carniny Under 14s.

Bob was a recent addition to the club as a development Officer and was instrumental in striking up links with Carniny and Cross channel clubs which has resulted in club visits for the various Carniny teams. Bob’s son Peter was again happy to present the award.

For a full list of prizewinners and a photo special from the event, don’t miss this week’s Ballymena Times.