Rugby legend pays tribute to Larne's top sports heroes

The McNeill Theatre was transformed for the gala occasion, with guests representing a wide variety of sports at youth, regional, national and international levels.

Organised by Larne Borough Sports Forum, this year’s event attracted more nominations than ever before for the eight main categories. Along with nominees, representatives of Larne’s many sporting organisations and special guests, including those from Carrickfergus and Ballymena councils, were officially welcomed by Larne Mayor, Councillor Bobby McKee.

He said he was delighted that so many were in attendance to celebrate and recognise the sporting successes of Larne.

He paid tribute, not just to the sportsmen and women themselves, to to the many coaches and volunteers who give up their time to provide quality sporting opportunities for the people of Larne.

Host for the evening, television presenter Claire McCollum, was joined for the occasion by special guest, former Ireland and Ulster rugby star David Humphreys. He told how he felt “privileged” to have been able to play sport professionally.

Now involved in rugby management, he said he still felt a longing to play – especially five minutes before a big match kicks off.

And paying tribute to all those in attendance at the awards dinner, he said those involved in volunteer roles in sporting life should never be forgotten for the commitment and dedication they give.

He had a particular word of encouragement for younger sportsmen and women too, saying that his early days on the rugby field at Ballymena Academy were particularly fond memories.

“I look back at that time with a huge degree of fondness,” he said.

WINNERS

The Challenger Award, sponsored by

Larne Borough Council – Bernadette Regan

(athletics).

Bernadette decided on a lifestyle change after successfully recovering from malignant melanoma in 2007. Having no previous experience in athletics, she decided to start running to keep fit and joined Larne Athletics Club in 2008. In 2009 she had a goal of running the Larne half-marathon and such was her enjoyment she then targeted and successfully completed the Dublin marathon for her 50th birthday.

On receiving the award, Bernadette said she was “really taken aback”.

“If someone had said 10 years ago I would run a marathon on my 50th birthday I would not have believed it,” she said.

Bernadette described crossing the finishing line as “a great feeling”.

Services to Sport Award, sponsored by Larne Traders’ Forum – Arthur James (rugby).

Arthur joined Larne Rugby Football Club as a player in 1996 and has been involved in some part ever since. In the early stages he was player and captain for varoius teams within the club while also being on the committee. In 1980, Arthur became club treasurer and is now in his 30th year in this role.

After receiving the award from David Humphreys, Arthur agreed with the rugby star that as a former player the desire to get back on the field was always there.

Veteran’s Award, sponsored by Inver Garden Centre – Jonathan Turner (athletics).

Jonathan has enjoyed a remarkable year in 2009, having – as one of only a handful of ultra runners in Ireland – he successfully completed the 53-mile Highland Fling, the Belfast marathon and Newry marathon in a four-week period.

He said he was “speechless” to receive the award, stating there were “so many fine athletes out there” worthy of praise.

He explained that he moved into ultra running as he got older, but described running for 11-12 hours at a time as “going through hell”.

Junior Club / Team of the Year, sponsored by Larne Borough Council – Larne Swimming Club U15 boys.

The U15 boys’ section enjoyed a great 2009. The team of Gary Andrews, Conor Brines, Sam Lindsay and Mark Wylie won Ulster gold at both the medley and freestyle relays. Success continued as the team won both events at the National Irish Championships in Dublin.

The lads said they were delighted to pick up the award.

Coach of the Year, sponsored by Toal Bookmakers – Jim Watt (tennis).

Jim, who has been coaching tennis in Larne for more than 20 years, is the devleopment officer for the Ulster branch of Tennis Ireland. He has coaches some of the countries’ top players including Claire Curran and Lynsey McCullough. He also finds time to organise local sessions at Larne Bowling and Lawn Tennis Club and coached the club to the Belfast and District Division title.

He said he was “very surprised but delighted” to receive the award.

“It’s great to get recognition from my peers in my home town,” he said.Junior

Sports Performer of the Year, sponsored by FG Wilson – Lynsey McCullough (tennis).

Lynsey has enjoyed a great 2009, representing Ireland in both the Federations Cup and the Four Nations Senior Championships. Individual success came in the South of Ireland Senior Championship, Ulster Senior Ladies Championship and Co Dublin Senior Championship along with a range of doubles titles.

She described being chosen as the winner of this category as “amazing”. She told the audience the highlight of the past year was playing in the Federations Cup.

Team of the year, sponsored by Northern Bank – Larne Grammar School senior boys 4 x 100m relay team.

The team last year retained the Senior Schools Irish title, becoming one of only a few schools to do so. The boys had an unbeaten season, winning district and Ulster titles along with the All Ireland.

Picking up the award on behalf of the team, James Mitchell said it was great to be chosen as winners in this category.

“Winning this is the cherry on the cake,” he said.

Sports performer of the year – Matthew Hall (shooting).

Junior Sports Performer of the Year in 2007 and 2008, Matthew’s success in rifle shooting continues. He won silver in January at the Sydney Youth Olympics and local success ensured GB selection for the European Championship. He also won two silver medals in the Scottish Open and gold in the International Grand Prix event.

Matthew was unable to attend the award as he was in Delhi aiming to qualify for the Commonwealth Games. His father, Michael picked up the award on his behalf, admitting he was “very proud indeed” and described it was a “great honour”.

Hall of Fame 2009 – Curly Morris (sailing)

Having enjoyed a long and successful association with sailing as a competitor and administrator, Curly has represented Ireland in 23 major championships. In 1972 he competed in the Olympic Games and has helped many young people to become better sailors both locally and nationally.

Speaking in a pre-recorded interview, Curly thanked those responsible for the honour and said he was “delighted” to be selected for the award.

Picking up the award on his behalf, Laura McFarland - his crew - said Curly was “phenomenally deserving” of the honour.

“I have learned so much from him. I don’t know how he manages to keep everything up; his enthusiasm, his sailing and his work as a professor of haematology. It is excellent he should be honoured in this way,” she said.