Over 130 guests gathered at Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre on Friday 27 March for the annual ABC Senior Sports Awards, which honour and celebrate the local sporting community and their impressive achievements over the past year.
Organised by Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Sports Forum and headline sponsor McKvr, the awards celebrate the individuals, teams and clubs who have represented Northern Ireland, Ulster and Ireland at European and world competitions. The awards also recognise coaches and volunteers behind these sporting successes.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Lord Mayor Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “Accomplishments in sport are often defining moments in the lives of the individual, team and community and are treasured for a lifetime. These awards are about recognising that we really do have a borough of sporting champions. To the volunteers, coaches, individuals and teams, I am proud that these awards showcase your exceptional talent and dedication to sport.”
Noel Hegarty, McKvr added: “These awards are an important celebration of local sport. The talent and dedication of our athletes, coaches, volunteers and clubs give our community a strong platform to succeed and this collective commitment allows sport to thrive across the borough. I warmly congratulate everyone for their success and endeavours.”
The 2026 Senior Sports Award winners:
Alderman Glenn Barr (chair of council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee) and Cathal O’Neill (ABC Sports Forum).
The coveted Sportswoman of the Year Award went to Irish Hockey Player and European Gold Medallist Katie Herron from Portadown Ladies Hockey Club.
World Bowls Champion of Champions from Dunbarton Bowling Club David Copeland picked up the Sportsman of the Year Award.
Cllr Peter Haire (Vice Chair of council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee).
Double Gold Medallist at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Caolan McConville was awarded the Sports Person with a Disability Award.
Banbridge Hockey Club’s 1st XI Men’s Hockey Team were winners of the Senior Team of the Year after their sterling display of consistency seen them crowned All Ireland Champions and represented Ireland in the Euro Hockey League.
The Club of the Year Award went to the successful, proactive and progressive Portadown Ladies Hockey Club.
Alan Curran (Sport NI) and Matthew Hazley (special guest).
Matthew Teggart received the Senior Coach of the Year Award for his success with the Senior Team at the Ras Tailteann as well as individual across a number of Road Races.
Service to Sport Awards were presented to Neil Teggart (Banbridge Cycling Club), Dennis Livingstone (Banbridge Hockey Club) and Paul McIlwaine (Craigavon Aztecs Volleyball Club).
Volunteer Awards were presented to Majella Crilly (St Brenda’s Camogie Club, Ballymacnab), Lydia Beattie (Banbridge Cycling Club), Lorcan McKerr (St Paul’s Gaelic Football Club), Michelle Wilson (Banbridge Golf Club), Angus Cunningham (Lurgan Rugby Football and Cricket Club), Conor McKeown (Portadown Amateur Swimming Club) and Ala Al-Janabi (Craigavon Table Tennis Club).
The Chairman’s Award was presented to Banbridge Cycling Club’s Senior Team who were crowned Irish County/Provincial Team Champions at the Ras Tailteann.
Closing the event, ABC Sports Forum chairman, Cathal O’Neill thanked ABC Council and McKvr along with award sponsors including Campbell’s Eurospar, Downshire Arms Hotel, Playr-Fit, Sport Northern Ireland and Banbridge Physiotherapy Clinic.
