Local Sporting Talent Recognised
November 10, 2016
Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh has paid tribute to local sporting talent during the 2016 Draynes Farm Sports Awards held at a prestigious ceremony at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.
The event, which was attended by over 200 guests, was hosted by Sports Journalist, Joel Taggart and included inspiring interviews with Gold Medal Paralympian, Jason Smyth, and Olympic Irish Hockey Team Players, Timmy Cockram and Jonny Bell.
The Sports Awards recognise both individuals and teams from Lisburn & Castlereagh who have excelled in their chosen sport as well as individuals who have contributed to sporting success through coaching or as Club administrators. The aim of the event is to celebrate the immense sporting talent within the Council area and encourage greater participation in sport.
World Bowls Champion, Neil Mulholland was named as Sports Personality of the Year. This year, Neil won the prestigious World Bowls Champion of Champions Trophy in Queensland, Australia, achieving the Irish National Singles title enroute to the competition. Gymnast, Casey Bell was awarded second place and fencer, Phillip Slater third place in this category.
Junior Sports Personality of the Year was won by Quad Racer, Dean Dillon who competed at the Mondial Du Quad Youth Race where he secured two wins and a second place to win the competition overall, becoming the first person from the UK to ever win this event. Second place in the category was presented to Taekwondo champion, Amy Stewart and third place was Taekwondo champion, James Bell.
Attending the awards ceremony, Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Brian Bloomfield said, “We have a proud history of sporting success across the Council area and it gives me great pleasure to recognise the wealth of talent at this year’s Sports Awards.
“The Council area is home to a number of first class sporting facilities including both the recently opened BMX Track in Lambeg and Baseball Diamond at Hydebank. We also have a number of sports stars residing in the City, who provide inspiration to sports clubs and athletes striving to compete at the highest level. I would like to thank Dame Mary Peters, Jason Smyth, Timmy Cockram, Jonny Bell and Janet Gray for taking the time to attend the Sports Awards and I know listening to their sporting success at the Olympics and Paralympics Games will provide great encouragement to the next generation of local sporting heroes.”
Councillor Tim Morrow, Chairman of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added, “The Sports Awards are an opportunity to publicly recognise the diverse range of sporting talent across the Council area. As a keen sports fan, I appreciate that any achievement in sport is testimony to years of hard work, training and dedication therefore it is with great pride that we can acknowledge the success of all our nominees tonight.
“Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in supporting Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh firmly believes that sport matters – not just to those teams and individuals who aspire to reach the highest levels of performance and competition but also to the wider community who take part for the fun and enjoyment of sport.
“I would like to congratulate all the award winners for their achievements and to everyone behind the scenes for their commitment to sport within our local communities. I would also like to thank fellow dairy farmers, Draynes Farm, for sponsoring the event and acknowledging the important role sport plays in our area.”
Club of the Year was won by Simply Judo Lisburn & Castlereagh with Carryduff Taekwondo Club taking second place and Jog Lisburn third place. School Team of the Year was awarded to Laurelhill Community College Under 14 Football Team with Friends’ Prep Girls Hockey Team taking second place and Wallace High School Year 8 Badminton Team taking third place.
Head Coach of Lisnagarvey Hockey Club, Errol Lutton was presented with the Coach of the Year Award for his dedication and skills leading his team to the inaugural All Ireland Trophy with a 17 match win in a row in a phenomenal season performance. Second prize was awarded to Peter Stewart from Lisburn Taekwondo Club and third place Eric Frizell from City of Lisburn Athletics Club.
The Senior Team of the Year was won by Lisnagarvey Hockey Club 1st Team with Cathal Brugha Water Polo Club 1st Team taking second place and Larkfield Netball Club 1st Team third place. Lisburn Golf Club Juvenile Team was awarded first prize in the Junior Team of the Year. Lisburn City Swimming Club Junior Boys Relay Team achieved second place and Lisburn Cricket Club Under 15s Team a third place.
The Merit Award was presented to four individuals to recognise the essential and valuable service they provide to their clubs in the pursuit of success in their chosen sport. The award was achieved by Tommy Heasley from Ballymascash Rangers Football Club, Gary King from Lisburn Rugby Club, Brian Johnston from Meteor Water Ski Club and Norman Stewart from Crewe United Football Club.
Jimmy Walker, Chairman of Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh added his support for the event. He said, “The Sports Awards is definitely one of the highlights of the year for Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh as it gives us the opportunity to recognise, honour and congratulate athletes, teams and coaches for their hard work and dedication to their chosen sport. We hope our nominees will inspire others to participate in sport and help develop sporting talent and healthier lifestyles in Lisburn & Castlereagh Finally I would like to thank Draynes Farm for kindly supporting tonight’s event, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for its continuing funding support to Sport Lisburn & Castlereagh.”
