NMD Council Celebrates Sport Stars Awards

Council Celebrates Sporting Stars at NMD Sports Awards

Council Celebrates Sporting Stars at NMD Sports Awards

Newry Mourne and Down District Council in association with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) welcomed over 250 guests to the Canal Court Hotel, Newry on Wednesday 29 March for the NMD Sports Awards 2022.

The event celebrates the remarkable achievements of teams and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sport across the district.

SANDSA Chairperson, Oonagh Murray presents the Junior Club Team of the Year Award to winners Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club – U18. (Photos courtesy of NMDDC).

These teams and individuals have been supported by the efforts of coaches, volunteers, mentors, teachers and parents who support our athletes and clubs and help to make Newry Mourne and Down a healthy and active district.

This year’s recipients were nominated for their contribution in the following Junior and Senior categories: Club Team of the Year, Sports Volunteer of the Year, Club Coach of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage pictured with winners of the Senior Club Team of The Year, Clonduff Camogie Club and (far right) Chairperson of Active Healthy Communities, Councillor Hugh Gallagher.

With so many exceptional successes racked up by sporting stars across the district, competition was notable for the award categories.

Newry Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage, said: “The NMD Sports Awards, hosted in partnership with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) gives us an opportunity to celebrate the high level of sporting performances and the achievements of our remarkable local stars.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage, pictured with Mr and Mrs Williamson, who accepted the award for Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability on behalf of their son Tom Williamson, alongside Ryan McQuillan, Disability Sport NI.

“I would like to congratulate all of those who have been nominated over the nine award categories as the calibre of entries has been truly exceptional.

“The Council is proud to support the sports community in our district.

“We continue to foster a culture of physical fitness and wellness and create opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities to engage in an active lifestyle, whether by increasing their daily physical activity or competing in high performance sport.

Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage presents the Life Time Services to Sport Award to Andrew Davis and Sylvia McEllhelrron, who accepted the award on behalf of their late father Mr Jimmy Davis.

“I hope that the NMD Sports Awards leave you all feeling inspired by the passion, commitment and unwavering determination of our local sporting community.”

During his speech, Councillor Savage also paid tribute to the late Mr. Jimmy Davis, who has delivered over fifty-five years of continued support to the Carnbane Football League, formed in 1968.

Volunteer Now Manager of Community Engagement, Jane Gribbin presents winner of the Young Sports Volunteer of the Year Award to Liam Toner, Downpatrick Football Club.

Working tirelessly at a grass roots level, he has ensured thousands of football players have been able to play in this league throughout the years.

SANDSA Chairperson, Oonagh Murray said: “It is a privilege to be here this evening and be part of the NMD Sports Awards.

Sport Northern Ireland, Claire Dowdall presents winner of the Senior Sports Volunteer of the Year Award to Orla Morgan, Clonduff Camogie Club.

“The talent in the room is incredible, and the sense of community spirit is so evident among our sports stars, as well as many of the unsung heroes that give up their time each week to make sports available and accessible across the local community.

“I would like to congratulate all our winners and shortlisted finalists.”

Active Healthy Communities Deputy Chairperson, Councillor Gavin Malone presents winner of the Young Coach of the Year Award to Rebecca Burke, Strangford Rowing Club.

The winners of this year’s NMD Sports Awards 2022 in association with SANDSA are:

  • Junior Club Team of the Year  – Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club – U18 Team
  • Senior Club Team of the Year  – Clonduff Camogie Club
  • Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability  – Tom Williamson, Down Triathlon Club
  • Life-Time Services to Sport – Jimmy Davis, Carnbane League
  • Young Sports Volunteer of the Year – Liam Toner, Downpatrick Football Club
  • Senior Sports Volunteer of the Year  – Orla Morgan, Clonduff Camogie Club
  • Young Club Coach of the Year  – Rebecca Burke, Strangford Coastal Rowing Club
  • Senior Club Coach of the Year – Guinevera McGilligan, Clonduff Camogie Club
  • Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Anna Gardiner, East Down Athletics Club
  • Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Amy Broadhurst, St Bronagh’s Boxing Club.
Ulster Rugby Skills Coach, Craig Newby presents winner of the Senior Club Coach of the Year Award to Guinevera McGilligan, Clonduff Camogie Club.
Guest Speaker and Irish Rugby Union star Iain Henderson presents winner of the Junior Sportsperson of the Year Award to Anna Gardiner, East Down Athletics Club.
Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage, presents the Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award to Tony Broadhurst who accepted the award on behalf of his daughter Amy Broadhurst, St Bronagh’s.
Boxing Club.
Representatives from St Bronagh’s Boxing Club celebrating Amy Broadhurst’s win.
Young Club Coach of the Year Award winner Rebecca Burke (Centre) pictured with members of the Strangford Coastal Rowing Club.