Senior sports stars shine at ABC Borough Council online awards

With the unfortunate cancellation of the awards ceremony due to Covid-19 it was every bit as important for the council and the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Sports Forum to celebrate what was an unforgettable year of sporting glory at a local level and pay tribute to the sports stars of the borough.

Presentations were made to each recipient following strict social distancing measures, at Craigavon Civic Centre by representatives from the ABC Sports Forum, the Lord Mayor and Martin Walsh from headline Sponsor Rushmere Shopping.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Kevin Savage, said, “We are always in awe at the level of excellence achieved in the sporting arena by the clubs and individuals in the Borough.

“It is so important for the council to be able to recognise the incredible talents through these awards. The honour that has been brought to the borough through their success in sport is greatly appreciated by all my fellow Aldermen and Councillors.”

The Sports Forum were overwhelmed by the exceptionally high standard of achievement which included Ulster, Irish, and Great Britain representation, as well competing at European and World Level with no less than seven Olympic and Paralympic athletes who are hoping to compete in Tokyo next summer.

Chairman of the Sports Forum, Edith Jamison, said, “The wealth of talent in our borough is exceptional which is why it was important for us to be able to recognise these achievements, albeit in a different manor than we normally would. I extend my thanks to the Lord Mayor for the support offered from Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council which enables us to organise and celebrate the sporting excellence across the borough. I would also like to thank our headline sponsor Rushmere Shopping Centre and each of the individual category sponsors. Finally congratulations to all the shortlisted nominees and each of the category winners, and I wish you continued success in your sporting endeavours.”

The awardees recognised at this year’s awards ceremony are as follows:

Volunteer Awards sponsored by Irwins Quality Aggregates: Paul Hannigan from Banbridge Cycling Club, Connor Campbell from Disability Sport NI, Colin McDonnell from Banbridge and Rathfriland Karate Club and Caroline Meenan from Portadown Rugby Football Club.

Service to Sport Award sponsored by Raffles: Deidre McGrath from Aghaderg GAC and Ballyvarley HC; Brian Cairns from Banbridge Cycling Club and Calvin Rowe from Portadown Rugby Football Club

Sports Person with a Learning Disability sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Golfer Jill Connery

Sports Person with a Physical or Sensory Disability sponsored by Kingspan Water and Energy Limited: Para-cyclist Christopher Burns

Senior Team of the Year sponsored by Ulster Carpets: St Mark’s Bowling Club’s Fours Team

Senior Coach of the Year sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland: Hanover Football Club’s Steven Hyndes

Club of the Year sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council: Lurgan Rugby Football & Cricket Club

Runner Up Sportswoman of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping Centre: Camogie, Gaelic Football and Road Bowls star Kelly Mallon

Sportswoman of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping Centre: Irish Hockey International Bethany Barr

Runner Up Sportsman of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping Centre: Irish Cycling International Mark Downey

Sportsman of the Year sponsored by Rushmere Shopping Centre: Irish Rowing International Philip Doyle.