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Ards and North Down Sports Awards

The aim of the Awards Ceremony is to recognise, promote and reward local sporting achievement of teams and individuals across the Ards and North Down Borough.

2023 Ards and North Down Sports Awards

Rhys McClenaghan BEM claims Ards and North Down Sports Person of the Year

Reigning World and European Champion gymnast, Rhys McClenaghan BEM, has been named as Ards and North Down Sports Person of the Year. He was among several individuals and teams recognised at the annual Ards and North Down Sports Awards, which was hosted by radio presenter Denise Watson at Clandeboye Lodge on Friday 1 March.

Former rally co-driver, Terry Harryman, secured a place on the prestigious Wall of Fame. The Bangor man enjoyed a motorsport career that spanned more than 50 years and was one of rallying’s pace note making pioneers. He navigated for the world's leading drivers at the sport's highest level, including Ari Vatanen with whom he claimed victories at the Safari Rally, Monte Carlo Rally, Finland's 1000 Lakes Rally, Sanremo Rally, Swedish Rally, and Britain's RAC Rally. In recognition of his achievements, a plaque will be erected in Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex, and Ards Blair Mayne Wellbeing and Leisure Complex.

Bangor Bowling Club took the Sports Team of the Year title, Ards Ladies Under 18 Indoor Hockey Team were named as the Under 18 Junior Team of the Year, and Glenlola Collegiate Under 15 Elite Trampoline Team secured the Under 15 Junior Sports Team of the Year award.

More individual success came for Grace Davison (swimming) who won Under 18 Young Sports Person of the Year, and Haleigh Miskimmin (gymnastics) took the same title in the Under 15 category as well as the Special Recognition Award. Sports coach, Luke Carson, also achieved success as he was announced as Sports Coach of the Year.

The commitment and service of Alex Jones (football) was acknowledged with a win in the Volunteer of the Year category, and Lifetime Achievement awards went to Nan Allely (Bowling) and Michael Spence (Rugby).

Speaking at the awards ceremony, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said:

“Many nominations from across the sporting sphere were received for this year’s awards and we can be in no doubt of the strength of sporting talent in Ards and North Down. Congratulations to all nominees and award winners, and thanks also to those volunteers who dedicate their time and work tirelessly behind the scenes.

AWARD WINNERS

Sports Person of the Year

Sponsored by Mervyn Stewart

Rhys McClenaghan (Gymnastics)

 

Wall of Fame Inductee

Sponsored by Ards and North Down Sports Forum

Terry Harryman (Rallying)

 

Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by the Mayor of Ards and North Down

Nan Allely (Bowling)

Michael Spence (Rugby)

 

Volunteer of the Year

In memory of Alderman Menagh

Alex Jones (Football)

 

Special Recognition Award and Under 15 Sports Person of the Year

Sponsored by Royal British Legion

Haleigh Miskimmin (Gymnastics)

 

Under 15 Junior Sports Team of the Year

Sponsored by Dynes Residential

Glenlola Collegiate Under 15 Elite Trampoline Team

 

Under 18 Junior Sports Team of the Year

Sponsored by K9 Search and Rescue

Ards Ladies Under 18 Indoor Hockey Team

 

Under 18 Sports Person of the Year

Sponsored by Prestige Trophies

Grace Davison (Swimming)

 

Sports Team of the Year

Sponsored by Progressive Building Society

Bangor Bowling Club

 

Sports Coach of the Year

Sponsored by RNLI

Luke Carson (Gymnastics)

 

Previous Sport Award Winers

2022 Sports Awards Winners

2022 Ards and North Down Sports Awards

On Friday 10 March, 2023 at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, the 2022 Sports Awards were awarded to:

Sports Person of the Year (Sponsored by Charles Hurst) 
Winners: Bethany Firth OBE (Swimming) and Rhys McClenaghan (Gymnastics)

Sports Person of the Year U18 (Sponsored by Prestige Trophies) 
Winner: Aimee Robinson (Gymnastics - Trampoline)

Sports Person of the Year U15 (Sponsored by Danske Bank) 
Winner: Grace Davison (Swimming)

Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Encore Parcs) 
Winner: Ards Ladies HC 1st XI (Hockey)

Sports Team of the Year U18 (Sponsored by Belvoir Lettings) 
Winner: Bangor Grammar (Table Tennis)

Sports Team of the Year U15 (Sponsored by Dynes Residential) 
Winner: Regent House (Girls Relay)

Sports Coach of the Year (Sponsored by Quarry Plant Sales) 
Winner: Iain McCarthy (Stand Up Paddleboarding, Sup Hub NI)

Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Colonel Paddy’s Café & Bistro) 
Winner: Ashleigh Flannigan (Castle Juniors Football Club)

Lifetime Service Recognition Award (Sponsored by the Mayor of Ards and North Down)
Recipients: Jim Hayes (Running/Athletics), Archie Walls (Soccer), Hugh Shields (Football & Cricket)Colin Campbell (Bowls) and Dennis Nash (Journalism across all sports)

2021 Sports Awards Winners

2021 Ards and North Down Sport Awards

Sports Person of the Year (Sponsored by Charles Hurst Renault) - Bethany Firth

Sports Person of the Year U18 (Sponsored by Prestige Trophies - Ellie McKibbin         

Sports Person of the Year U15 (Sponsored by Danske Bank) - Lucy McGonigle                 

Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Dynes Resedential) - Ards Senior Relay Team Ards Swimming Club 

U18 Junior Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Belvoir Lettings) - Bangor FC U16 

U15 Junior Sports Team of the Year (Sponsored by Dynes Residential) -     

Sports Coach of the Year (Sponsored by Quarry Plant Sales) - Davy Johnston                     

Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Truesdale Heating and Plumbing) - Naomi McKnight (Ards Ladies Hockey Club)                      

Lifetime Service Recognition (Sponsored by Mayor of Ards and North Down) -  Alderman James Menagh

Wall of Fame Inductee (Sponsored by Ards and North Down Sports Forum) - Keith Gillespie