2026 has been a sensational year in sport for young people across the borough, with individuals, teams, schools and clubs enjoying record-breaking runs, medals and top titles while representing Ulster and Ireland in competitions at European and world level.
These achievements were celebrated at the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Sports Forum Junior Sports Awards at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Friday 23 October. The event was compered by Denise Watson, with special guests and Glasgow Commonwealth Games athletes Chloe Wilson, Alana Burns-Atkin and Willie-John McCartan sharing inspiring insights into their sporting journeys.
Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd congratulated the individual athletes, teams, coaches, schools and clubs who were shortlisted for an award, saying: “Tonight provides a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the remarkable sporting talent across our borough and to shine a light on the passion, commitment and determination demonstrated by everyone in this room.
“Whether you are here as an athlete, a team member, a coach, a volunteer, a teacher or a parent, each of you has played an important role in the successes we celebrate tonight.”
Congratulations to all the 2026 ABC Junior Sports Awards winners:
- Oscar McKinney from Armagh Special Olympics Swimming Club, who won double gold and a silver medal at the Special Olympics All Ireland Games, was awarded the Sports Person with a Disability Award, sponsored by Interface.
- Lurgan Junior High School U14 Girls Football Team clinched the Junior School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by JH Turkington & Sons, in recognition of winning the Mid Ulster League and Cup as well as the prestigious Northern Ireland U14 Girls Cup.
- The Junior Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council went to Banbridge Netball Club U14 who won the Northern Ireland League and Cup competitions.
- National Cadet champion and European quarter finalist Franky Mooney from Banbridge Amateur Boxing Club was a deserving winner of the Junior Male of the Year Award, sponsored by Donaghy’s of Banbridge.
- Irish Schools 800m champion, Northern Ireland London Mini Marathon team member and Ulster Hockey U13 squad member, Lucia McMullan from Lurgan Junior High School and Dromore Athletics Club took home the Junior Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited.
- The Youth School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by AG Wilson Civil Engineering went to double Ulster champions and All Ireland silver medallists Royal School Armagh 1st XI Girls Hockey Team.
- Ulster Champions and record breakers, Banbridge Amateur Swimming Club’s Youth Boys’ Relay Team were winners of the Youth Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited.
- Head Coach of the Royal School Armagh’s 1st XI Girls Hockey Team, who were double Ulster winners and All-Ireland finalists, Greg Thompson scooped the School Coach of the Year Award, sponsored Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council.
- The Club Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport Northern Ireland was awarded to multiple medal winning coach at Banbridge Amateur Boxing Club, Jason McKay.
- Northern Ireland and British champion who also finished 5th in the World Topper Sailing Championships, Adam Green from Lough Erne Yacht Club was awarded the Youth Male of the Year Award, sponsored by Total Hockey.
- Double Irish champion and European bronze medallist, Lucie Prentice took home the Youth Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh Sports & Trophies.
ABC Sports Forum Chair Edith Jamison expressed her gratitude to ABC Council for supporting the organisation of the event and to all sponsors including headline sponsor, Manfreight Limited, for their ongoing support.
