2025 has been a sensational year in sport for young people across the borough! Individuals, teams, schools and clubs have achieved record-breaking runs and top titles representing Ulster, Ireland, and Great Britain in major 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 3 October. The event was compered by Denise Watson from U105 with special guest, local rugby player and coach, Jemma Farrell.
Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jessica Johnston congratulated the individual athletes, teams, coaches, schools, clubs and volunteers. She said: “What a wonderful opportunity tonight is to showcase our amazing sporting talent, and to shine a light on their passion and commitment as an individual athlete, team player, coach or volunteer. I wish you all continued success in your sport, and I hope that you continue to strive to be the best that you can be!”
Congratulations to all the Junior Sports Award winners for 2025:
- Young Volunteer Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Katie Haughey, Granemore Camogie Club.
- Sports Person with a Disability Award, sponsored by Donaghy’s of Banbridge: Jude Sheldon, who won the Junior Para section at the Ulster Open and represented Team Ireland (winning bronze) at the Malmo Open.
- Junior School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Armagh Sports and Trophies: Royal School Armagh Year 8 Girls Athletics Team (in recognition of their strong performances this season, winning the Ulster Schools Year 8 Team competition).
- Junior Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Total Hockey: Joint winners, Banbridge Hockey Club U11 Boys Team and Lurgan Ladies U11 Girls Team (who won their respective sections in the Ulster Hockey’s U11 Cup).
- Junior Male of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Adam Green from Banbridge Academy and Lough Erne Yacht Club (Irish National Champion and 13th at the World Championships).
- Junior Female of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: Una McClelland from St Catherine’s College and Iveagh Pony Club (successful Tetrathlon competitor, both individually and with her Northern Ireland Team).
- Youth School Team of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Portadown College 1st XI Girls Hockey Team (Senior Schools Cup Champions and All-Ireland Silver medallists).
- Youth Club Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Manfreight Limited: City of Armagh RFC U18 Team (Ulster League and Cup winners).
- School Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport NI: Simon Jess (Head Coach to All-Ireland Champions, Banbridge Academy 1st XI Boys Hockey Team).
- Club Coach of the Year Award, sponsored by Sport NI: Kyle McArdle (Coach, Armagh City Football Club U16 Team, who won the National Premier Division League and Cup).
- Youth Male of the Year Award, sponsored by McKeever Sports: Joshua Awujoola (Dromore High School’s Ulster and Irish School’s Champion).
- Youth Female of the Year Award, sponsored by ABC Council: Monika Ilieva (multiple European medallist and Team GB athlete from St Ronan’s College).
- Chairman’s Award: St Ronan’s College Year 8 Volleyball team (NI Volleyball’s Cup and League Champions).
Closing the ceremony, ABC Sports Forum Chairman Cathal O’Neill, expressed his gratitude to ABC Council for organising the event and to all sponsors, including headline sponsor, Manfreight Limited for supporting the event.
