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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council in association with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) hosted the NMD Sports Awards in Newcastle earlier this month.
The event celebrates the remarkable achievements of teams and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to sport across the district within 2023, as well as paying tribute to 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.
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, Sportsperson of the Year, Sportsperson / Team of the Year with a Disability and Lifetime Services to Sport.
With so many exceptional achievements throughout the district in 2023, the competition was notable for each of the award categories.
Speaking at the awards Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said “The NMD Sports Awards, hosted in partnership with the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) is an evening dedicated to celebrating the achievements of the remarkable athletes throughout the district as well as acknowledging the immense work of the coaches and volunteers who are the backbone of our clubs and community.
Councillor Harte continued, “The Council is proud to support the sports community and we are committed to promoting a culture of physical fitness and wellness, creating opportunities for all residents to engage in an active lifestyle, whether by increasing their daily physical activity or competing in high performance sport. The success of our local sports stars is truly inspiring.”
SANDSA Chairperson, Oonagh Murray added “It is a privilege to be part of the NMD Sports Awards and honour those who are committed to sports within the community. Each of the nominees have demonstrated their dedication and achievements, earning them well-deserved recognition. I wish them well in their future sporting endeavours as they will no doubt continue to achieve within their field and inspire others.”
The Winners
- Junior Club Team of the Year 2023 - St Joseph’s Boys High School (Newry) U16 Gaelic Football Team
- Senior Club Team of the Year 2023 - Newcastle Bowling Club, Senior Team
- Young Sports Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Eimear Savage, Newry All Stars
- Senior Sports Volunteer of the Year 2023 - Jennifer Bell, Down Netball Club
- Young Club Coach of the Year 2023 - Anna McPolin, Newry Rowing Club
- Senior Club Coach of the Year 2023 - Cushla McLoughlin, Newry Gymnastics
- Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability 2023 - Aaron Lenzi, LX Gymnastics Club
- Lifetime Services to Sport – Paddy Duffy, Newry Gateway Club
- Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2023 - Rory Armstrong, Karting
- Senior Sportsperson of the Year 2023 - James Doyle, St Killian’s GAA Handball Club
