SOMBRE NOTE AMID THE CELEBRATIONS AT SPORTS AWARDS

The awards were the Council's first public function since Councillor McFadden passed away last month.

Leading the tributes was Council Chairman, Elizabeth Ingram. "Wilfred was a member of the Sports Association Committee and was very supportive of sport in the area. He loved coming to the Sports Awards and always said grace at the event," she said. "He will be sadly missed by all of us."

Yvonne Jackson, of new sponsors Shoefair Sports, echoed the Chairman's sentiments and expressed condolences to Councillor McFadden's family.

She then moved on to say that Shoefair were very proud to be involved in the awards. "The Sports Awards are a very important event. The first awards were held in Banbridge Leisure Centre in 1988. Peter Sinclair was Sportsman of the Year and Banbridge Hockey Club were team of the year - I'll let Alison Wilson (Chairperson, Banbridge District Sports Association] tell you who the Sportswoman of the Year was! For anyone to win an award is an extremely proud moment." New Sports Association Chairperson, Alison Wilson, thanked Brian Campbell from Centra for their monthly sponsorship of the Sports Achievers award and also Shoefair Sports for coming on board as the new sponsors of this year's event.

She added, "I would encourage people to join our committee and make a worthwhile contribution to the local sporting community. We have a strong working relationship with Banbridge District Council and in particular with Gillian Dewart and Mildred Mawhinney.

"We are also announcing the launch of a new award which will be presented for the first time this evening, the Chairman's Award for Special Achievement."

The first awards were presented to the district's Special Olympians. There were nine winners in all: Robert Crory, Paul Ewbanks, Denise Fegan, Nicky Graham, Nicholas Grant, Emma Higgins, Tony Luney, Darren McClatchey and Philip Patton.

Sportswoman of the Year was Northern Ireland netball star Clare Henry, pipping karate's Fiona O'Neill to the award.

Clare was unable to attend but her mother, Nancy, picked up the award on her behalf. She explained, "Clare is currently in her second year of studying biology and chemistry at Durham University so she's unable to be here to pick up the award.

"She's enjoying her netball there. At the moment she's playing in a variety of positions but mostly centre at Durham. Her season is going exceptionally well - Durham have been promoted to the Premier Division in the University Leagues and she is talking about playing in the netball superleague. She's determined, very fit and we are all very proud of her."

Rathfriland shooter Aaron Smyth was beaten to the Sportsman of the Year crown by wheelchair basketball player Matthew Rolston who was recently selected for Team GB to compete at the Paralympic World Cup.

"Everything has sort of taken off since last May," he told compere for the evening Denise Watson. "It's been a pretty amazing season.

In the Team category the Barton Shield team at Banbridge Golf Club finished runners up to Dunbarton Bowling Club who won the treble this year for the first time in the club's history.

"The toughest trophy to win was the Irish Cup because we could have been drawn to play anywhere in Ireland at home or away," said Conor McCartan, accepting the award on behalf of his team mates.

He continued, "There's a stigma out there that bowls is an old man's game but at Dunbarton we are all around the one age and we're all good friends. We have a good squad of players too with the likes of Myles Greenfield and DJ Wilson."

Aghaderg were named club of the year and Club Chairman Seamus McGrath said he was "delighted and surprised" to lift the award.

Simon Jess was named Coach of the Year for his endeavours with Abercorn Primary School, Banbridge Academy and Banbridge Ladies.

"Coaches like me are very fortunate because there is a wealth of talent in the district," he said. "It's very much a community set up - players are willing to give up a lot and coaches are willing to back that up.

"With players like Eugene Magee having already developed it gives players coming through the ranks a chance to see what they can achieve and something to aspire to. It feels like I've stolen this award but I feel privileged and thankful just for being nominated."

There was a huge round of applause for Martin Lennon who was named as the recipient of the Service to Sport award. Martin has spent many years involved with the Community Games and Special Olympics in Banbridge.

"I was very surprised that I've won, especially when you look at the other nominees," said Martin. "The Community Games are good for the kids as it keeps them out of mischief. I would like to thank the Council for all the help they have given me over the years."

Last but not least was the new Chairman's award which was presented to golfing sensation Connor Doran who this year won the Mullingar Scratch Cup. He's in good company on the roll of honour with the likes of Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Paidraig Harrington having won it previously.

But he admitted he doesn't want to go professional like them. "I've no intention of playing the paid game - I wouldn't fancy having to make a six foot shot to pay for a morgage. I'm happy enough just travelling around and playing the amateur game," he said.

"It's nice to win my first award here. The Banbridge community produces some great talents like Rory Best and Madeline Perry and it's nice to be included amongst them."