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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and the Sports Association Newry, Down and South Armagh (SANDSA) have hosted the annual NMD Sports Awards, welcoming more than 300 guests to Newcastle last Friday, 20 March to celebrate sporting achievements across the district in 2025.
receiving the award for Junior Club Team of the Year 2025 from SANDSA
Chairperson, Oonagh Murray.
The evening, hosted by sports presenter Thomas Niblock, recognised athletes, teams, coaches, volunteers and mentors who made a significant contribution to sport throughout the council area over the past year. The event featured a panel discussion with participants from the PARS (Physical Activity Referral Scheme) and Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes, with panel members sharing their personal journeys of joining the programmes to improve their health and their plans to take part in the upcoming Belfast Marathon.
Communities, Andrew Patterson presents the award of Senior Sportsperson of the
Year 2025 to Darrell Wilson.
Speaking at the event Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: "These awards provide a fantastic opportunity to recognise not only the outstanding achievements of our athletes, but also the tireless work of coaches and volunteers who are the backbone of our clubs and communities. The standard of entries this year was exceptionally high, and everyone shortlisted should be immensely proud of their accomplishments."
programmes with Paula Early, Exercise Referral Programme Co-ordinator
(front right), who are participating in the Belfast Marathon.
Cllr Campbell added: "The Council remains fully committed to supporting sport at every level from grassroots participation to elite performance, ensuring that everyone in our district can lead an active and healthy lifestyle."
SANDSA Chairperson Oonagh Murray also paid tribute to those nominated. "It is a privilege to be part of an event that celebrates the passion and commitment of individuals across our sporting community. Each nominee has shown incredible dedication, and their achievements are truly inspiring. We congratulate all winners and wish them continued success in the future."
Sportsperson/Team of the Year with a Disability 2025 to Tom Williamson.
Sports Awards 2025 Winners
Sports Volunteer of the Year 2025: Darran McQuoid - Drumaness Mills FC
Sports Coach of the Year 2025: Shannon Connor - Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club
Sportsperson/Team of the Year with Disability 2025: Tom Williamson – Down Triathlon Club
Junior Sportsperson of the Year 2025: Rachael Carvill - Taekwondo
Shield Team. From left: Winners Rian Carvill and Vincent Toner, Cllr Declan McAteer,
SANDSA executive, who presented the award, and winners Michael McGurk and
Stephen Coulter.
Junior Club Team of the Year 2025: Dundrum Coastal Rowing Club
Senior Team of the Year 2025: Warrenpoint Golf Club - All-Ireland Barton Shield Team
Senior Sportsperson of the Year 2025: Darrel Wilson – Archery
Lifetime Services to Sport: Presented posthumously in honour of the late Rory Friel – Athletics
