Young stars shine at annual sports awards ceremony

A large crowd of almost 300 people saw local sporting excellence honoured in what has become the highlight of the sporting calendar in the borough.

With the highest number of applications and arguably the highest standard of entry ever, especially in the junior categories, the sports awards committee had the difficult task of deciding the winners, but the depth of sporting talent was there for all to see.

Compered superbly by TV sports commentator Jim Neilly, the awards ran without a hitch on what was a memorable night for local sport.

Kickboxer Glenn McFarlane triumphed in the Junior Sportsperson category after an exceptional year successfully competing at World level.

16th Newtownabbey Boys' Brigade had their outstanding achievements in a range of sports acknowledged when they accepted the Junior Team of the Year award. This award was shortlisted by an internet vote, which this year saw an incredible 3,545 votes cast.

Not to be outdone, Ballyclare High School's Amy Kennedy had her extraordinary year's triumphs honoured when she collected the Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability trophy after an amazing medal haul at the Dwarf World Games.

It was also a night to remember for the Ulster Elks Ladies hockey team who took away two trophies to add to their silverware-laden season. The UUJ girls picked up the Club of the Year gong and their head coach, Ricky Lee, received the award for Coach of the Year.

The Services to Sport award deservedly went to Artie Campbell for his outstanding contribution to Templepatrick Cricket Club and Ballyclare Rugby Club over the past 20 years.

The main award of the night, Adult Sportsperson of the Year, went to motorcycle racer Jamie Hamilton after an outstanding year on the track which saw him achieve British title success.

Other awards went to James Holmes, who was presented with the Janet Parkinson Memorial Award for his lifetime of service to Boys' Brigade sport, and former Ulster and Ireland rugby player Maurice Field, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame for services to rugby.

"It was a fantastic night for Newtownabbey sport and it was great that we were able to honour all the sporting achievements in the borough. The standard is increasing with every year and Newtownabbey now has the reputation for being synonymous with high quality sport," said Dean Holmes, NBC Sport and Play Development Officer.

"The night wouldn't have been so special if it hadn't been for the help of everyone behind the scenes and special mention needs to be paid to the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman John Scott, the Theatre at The Mill staff, Mount Charles catering, Thirdsource, Newtownabbey Times, Jenni Coulter and the star of the show, Jim Neilly," he added.

Full picture coverage in this week's Newtownabbey Times