Ards and North Down Sports Awards: Winners Announced!

Wednesday 6 March 2024

The 2023 Ards and North Down Sports Awards were held at Clandeboye Lodge on Friday 1 March where all award winners were announced at the prestigious ceremony.

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)