Finn Valley AC’s mark Connolly was last night named as the overall Sports Star of the Year at the 2018/19 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards.
Connolly’s success in the over 55s category at the World Masters Athletics Championships was recognised with the top gong last night at the Fir Trees Hotel.
Picture: Sports Star of the Year Mark Connolly accepting the award from Aodhán Harkin, during Thursday night’s Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Annual Sports Awards at the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane on Thursday night.
Derry City and Strabane District Council, in association with the District Sports Forum, hosted their big bash with a total of 15 awards presented.
Connolly helped Ireland to success in the 8k Cross-Country race in Toruń, Poland, finishing 19th overall in the race.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Councillor Michaela Boyle commended all the winners and nominees: “I would like to congratulate everyone who played their part in another record breaking year for local sport.
“The Derry Strabane Sports Awards are an ideal way to acknowledge and reward the hard work and dedication that many local people put into sport at all levels across the City and District.
“Our local sports people have achieved notable success at local, national and international level and it is important to take time to celebrate that.
Award winners, the Mayor, Councillor Michaela Boyle, guest speakers Shirley McCay and Stuart Thompson and MC Denise Watson pictured at the Derry City and Strabane District Council Sports Awards 2018/19 at the FirTrees Hotel, Strabane on Thursday night.
“The night is also just recognition for the many grassroots heroes in our Council area whose commitment and dedication to their communities is selfless and inspiring.”
Basketball Coach Tommy McCay was crowned Disability Coach of the Year and Siobhan McCay won the Sports Star with a Disability Award. The McCays are members of the North West Special Olympics Club in Letterkenny and won gold for Ireland at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in March.
The full list of winners were: Active Travel Award: Reach Cycling Club, Coach of the Year: Eamon Curry (NI U18 Schoolboys), Community Coach of Year: Simon O’Dowd (Strabane Shotokan Karate Club), Children’s Coach of the Year: Mark Terry (Derry City Women), Female Coach of the Year: Clare Bell, Disability Coach of the Year: Tommy McCay (Basketball), Sports Star of the Year: Mark Connolly (Athletics), Sports Star with a Disability: Siobhan McCay (Basketball), Young Male Sports Star of Year: Lucas McColgan (NW Shotokan Karate Club), Young Female Sports Star of Year: Leah Strunks (NW Karate Federation), School Team of the Year: Castlederg High School U14 Girls Hockey Team, Team of the Year: Strabane Athletic FC, Club of the Year: NW Wolves Wheelchair Basketball Club, Special Award: Tyrone Ladies Senior Footballers, Hall of Fame: John ‘Jobby’ Crossan (Football)