Mid and East Antrim’s sporting stars honoured on landmark awards night

Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards winners are pictured with our sponsors, Mayoress Mrs Allison Minford, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, Communities Minister Lyons and Claire McCollum.

Impressive achievements, a historic first, and even a world record set the tone for a standout night as Mid and East Antrim’s finest athletes were celebrated at the 2026 Sports Awards.

Held at the Galgorm Resort in Ballymena and hosted by Claire McCollum, the event brought together elite performers, grassroots champions, and long-serving figures whose dedication continues to shape sport across the Borough.

A night of excellence and inspiration

From emerging young talent to seasoned professionals, the awards highlighted the depth and diversity of sporting success across the area.

Sportsperson of the Year winner is Josh Rock (Darts). Due to a match in Nottingham the next day he was unable to attend so his award was collected by his wife Sarah. It was presented by Susan Stirling of Stirling Trophies.

Top honours went to Broughshane darts sensation Josh ‘Rocky’ Rock, who secured Sportsperson of the Year following a remarkable year on the global stage.

Currently ranked world number nine, Rock thrilled home crowds with a sensational nine-darter against Gian van Veen at Belfast’s SSE Arena.

His accolade also follows a landmark achievement in helping Northern Ireland claim the PDC World Cup of Darts — a historic first — alongside partner Daryl Gurney.

Sportsperson with a Disability winner Juliane Keane (Athletics) is pictured with Damian McAllister of Pollock Lifts.

Meanwhile, Larne athlete Juliane Keane delivered one of the most inspiring stories of the night, winning Sportsperson with a Disability after setting a Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon completed by a woman with multiple sclerosis.

The primary school teacher, who has lived with MS for two decades, completed the 2025 London Marathon in an extraordinary time of three hours, 53 minutes and two seconds — a feat she once believed impossible.

Recognising dedication across every level

The awards also shone a spotlight on those whose commitment often happens behind the scenes.

Services to Sport winner Bertnel Thompson received his award from Ruairi O’Boyle from Sign Time.

Bertnel Thompson received the Services to Sport Award in recognition of nearly 30 years as Ballymena United’s kitman.

Joining the club in 1996, the Ahoghill native served under eight managers and played a vital role during a period that saw the team win the First Division title, the League Cup, and two County Antrim Shields.

He also represented Northern Ireland internationally, travelling for 12 years as kitman for the Under-17 squad, before recently stepping down at the age of 73.

Team of the Year winner is Larne Ladies Hockey Club First XI. Pictured are players Georgie and Kelly with award sponsor McCadden representative Neil Ramsden.

Elsewhere, Larne Ladies Hockey Club First XI were named Team of the Year, while Paul Johnston took Manager/Coach of the Year honours.

Community Participation winner is Belfast Lough Sailability (Sailing). Pictured are members Marian, Thomas, Drew and David with Brian McRandal from The Curran Court Hotel.

Belfast Lough Sailability was recognised for Community Participation, underlining the importance of inclusive sport.

Celebrating the next generation

Young talent was firmly in the spotlight, with Naomi McClellan named Junior Sportsperson of the Year and St Killian’s U16 Camogie Team picking up the School Sporting Performance award.

McClellan was also one of two recipients of £250 bursaries awarded by Balon Sportswear, alongside 12-year-old Irish ice hockey player Jamie Murray — an investment aimed at supporting the next wave of sporting success.

Athlete Naomi McClelland and 12-year-old Irish Ice Hockey player Jamie Murray are pictured with sponsor BALON representative Niall Curneen

‘A wealth of sporting talent’

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, praised the achievements on display:

“It’s fantastic to be able to come together and celebrate everything that’s great about the wealth of sporting talent in our Borough.

“I hope the achievements of our winners, and all those shortlisted, can inspire and encourage the next generation. Hard work and dedication can support you in whatever sport you prefer.

“Congratulations to those who picked up well-deserved awards and our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors who help make nights like these possible.”

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons added:

“Celebrating the remarkable achievements of our local sportspeople is vital, not only to recognise their dedication and success but to acknowledge the pride felt right across our communities. Each nominee here tonight should be extremely proud of all that they have achieved.

“Showcasing these accomplishments plays an important role in inspiring the next generation of athletes, helping young people see what is possible, encouraging them to get involved and strive for their own goals, a core ambition of the ‘Active Living’ Strategy.

“Congratulations to all this year’s winners and to everyone who was nominated. Being shortlisted alone is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the commitment and passion you bring to your sport.”

Full list of winners

• Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Naomi McClellan (Athletics)

Junior Sportsperson of the Year winner Naomi McClelland (Athletics) is pictured with Communities Minister Lyons.

• School Sporting Performance: St Killian’s U16 Camogie Team

School Sporting Performance winner is St Killian’s U16 Camogie Team (Camogie) players Cliodhna Thompson and Ceolin McKewon are pictured with Deputy Mayor Hoey.

• Sportsperson/Team with a Disability: Juliane Keane (Athletics)

• Manager/Coach of the Year: Paul Johnston (Hockey)

Manager/Coach of the Year winner Paul Johnston from Larne Hockey Club is pictured with Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford.

• Community Participation: Belfast Lough Sailability (Sailing)

• Team of the Year: Larne Ladies Hockey Club First XI (Hockey)

• Services to Sport: Bertnel Thompson (Football)

• Sportsperson of the Year: Josh Rock (Darts)

A borough driven by passion for sport

With stories ranging from world records to lifelong service, the 2026 awards captured more than just results — they showcased resilience, ambition, and community pride.

As the Borough continues to nurture talent at every level, the achievements celebrated on this stage are likely to inspire the next generation to aim higher, push further, and believe in what’s possible.

At a glance

• Mid and East Antrim Sports Awards 2026 held at Galgorm Resort, Ballymena

• Josh Rock named Sportsperson of the Year after major darts success

• Juliane Keane set a marathon world record and won disability sport award

• Bertnel Thompson honoured for nearly 30 years’ service to Ballymena United

• Larne Ladies Hockey Club First XI crowned Team of the Year

• Naomi McClellan wins Junior Sportsperson and receives bursary support

• Belfast Lough Sailability recognised for community impact

• Event highlights both elite success and grassroots dedication

• Leaders say achievements will inspire the next generation