County Antrim referee Sammy McNeill, 83, shortlisted for grassroots football people’s award

83-year-old referee Samuel ‘Sammy’ McNeill, from Mosside, County Antrim

Democratic Unionist Party councillor John McAuley (Causeway) has urged the public to throw their support behind 83-year-old referee Samuel ‘Sammy’ McNeill, who has been shortlisted for the People’s Award at the McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards 2025.

Sammy, from Mosside and representing the Harry Gregg Foundation in Coleraine, has been named as one of three finalists for the national honour. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Belfast City Hall next month, with the public vote now open via the Irish FA website.

Cast your vote for Sammy here: Vote Now. Voting closes very soon.

A lifelong commitment to the game

Still active at 83, Sammy is widely recognised as Northern Ireland’s oldest referee still officiating matches. His career spans more than five decades, during which he has been praised for his fair approach, respect for players and ability to bring communities together.

Recently honoured by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, he continues to referee in the Harry Gregg Foundation Youth League, inspiring young players and showing the lifelong rewards of staying involved in sport.

83-year-old referee Samuel ‘Sammy’ McNeill, from Mosside, County Antrim

Councillor McAuley said:

“Sammy’s contribution to grassroots football over more than five decades is simply outstanding. At 83 years of age, he continues to inspire young players and bring communities together through Harry Gregg Foundation Youth League. I would encourage everyone to get behind him and cast their vote.”

Recognising grassroots heroes

The McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards, now in their 25th year, celebrate the tireless work of clubs and volunteers who dedicate their time to youth and community football across Northern Ireland.

This year’s People’s Award finalists are:

• Sammy McNeill (Harry Gregg Foundation, Coleraine)

• Brian Kirker (22nd Old Boys and Ladies, Belfast)

• Darran McQuoid (Drumaness Mills FC, Co Down)

The regional awards were recently hosted at the National Stadium at Windsor Park, where Northern Ireland legend and McDonald’s Fun Football Ambassador Pat Jennings presented winners with their awards.

Pat Jennings said:

“Without grassroots football volunteers none of this could happen.

“Through the years I have witnessed first-hand the significant impact that McDonald’s Fun Football has had, and continues to have, on the lives of young people in Northern Ireland.

“It is a fantastic achievement that McDonald’s is on track to deliver over 10 million hours of Fun Football for one million children across the UK by 2026.”

McDonald’s franchisee Paul Connan added:

“McDonald’s is passionate about feeding and fostering communities and supporting local families, and our commitment to grassroots football is a great way for us to demonstrate that. The Grassroots Football Awards gives us a great opportunity to celebrate our local grassroots football heroes, who are the beating heart of the game we all love here in Northern Ireland.”

How to vote

The public vote will decide the winner of the People’s Award at this year’s Grassroots Football Awards. Voting is open now and closes very soon.

To support Sammy McNeill and cast your vote, TAP HERE.