Causeway Coast and Glens sporting stars honoured at 2026 gala awards
Shauna O’Neill, Adam Faulkner and Irish Cup winners Coleraine FC were among the top honourees at the Lodge Hotel ceremony on Friday night.
The Mayor joined with Council Officers and local businesses to celebrate the sporting heroes of Causeway Coast and Glens, in what has been hailed as another fantastic year for sport.
In September, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins officially opened the nominations for the Moore NI sponsored awards, and the judges spent hours perusing the many nominees across the 13 categories.
Friday, November 13 saw the gala awards hosted by sports journalist Denise Watson in the Lodge Hotel, where the finalists from across Causeway Coast and Glens were recognised.
For the second year Moore NI joined Council as the headline sponsor for the event, showing their support for sport in Causeway Coast and Glens, with many other local businesses also sponsoring each of the categories.
The 2026 award for ‘Junior Sportsman of the Year’ was awarded to golfer Ollie McEvoy, while the Moore NI sponsored award for ‘Junior Sportswoman of the Year’ was presented to judo star, Willow Robertson.
‘Junior Team of the Year’ went to Dalriada’s Senior Girls Volleyball team and Coleraine Cricket Club U13’s
In the ‘School of the Year’ category, Dalriada School and Cross and Passion College were joint winners of the post primary section, whilst St Columba’s Kilrea took the Primary School accolade.
This year’s ‘Merit Award’ went to Dougie Fillis, while swimmer Elodie Bateson took the Go Succeed sponsored award for ‘Disability Sport’.
Atlantic Kayaks and Leisure sponsored this year’s award for ‘Coach of the Year’ with Coleraine FC’s Ruaidhri Higgins taking home the accolade, while Bill Kennedy MBE was recognised in the ‘Services to Sport’ category sponsored by Age Friendly Causeway.
‘Senior Team of the Year’ was awarded Coleraine FC for their historic Irish Cup win back in May.
The Turley Legal sponsored category of ‘Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year’ went to Adam Faulkner for his success in table tennis and international bowler Shauna O’Neill.
The ‘International Award’ went to Ballyspallen Cricket Club’s Jacob Blair, who had a remarkable season.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Dawn Huggins who attended on the night said: “It was a real pleasure to join so many talented sportspeople, coaches, volunteers and supporters at this year’s Moore NI Causeway Coast and Glens Sports Awards.
“Our Borough has an incredible sporting community, and these awards provide a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dedication, determination and commitment that goes into achieving success. From established international competitors to emerging young talent, every nominee has a story worth celebrating and is helping to inspire the next generation.
“I would also like to acknowledge the important contribution of our local clubs, coaches, volunteers and families, whose encouragement and support play such a vital role in helping people reach their potential.
“On behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, I congratulate all of this year’s winners and nominees. Your achievements make us immensely proud, and I wish you every success as you continue your sporting journeys.
“Finally, I would like to thank our headline sponsor Moore NI and all the businesses and organisations who supported this year's awards. Their generosity helps us shine a spotlight on the outstanding sporting talent we have right across our Borough.”
Full list of winners
JUNIOR SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Moore NI - Ollie McEvoy
JUNIOR SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Moore NI - Willow Robertson
JUNIOR TEAM - Sponsored by Causeway Eats - Dalriada School Senior Volleyball Team and Coleraine Cricket Club U13’s
SCHOOL AWARD - Sponsored by School Pix Limited - Dalriada School and Cross and Passion College, St Columba’s PS, Kilrea
MERIT AWARD - Sponsored by The Lodge Hotel - Dougie Fillis
DISABAILITY SPORT - Sponsored by Go Succeed - Elodie Bateson
COACH OF THE YEAR - Sponsored By Atlantic Kayaks and Leisure - Ruaidhri Higgins
SERVICES TO SPORT - Sponsored by Age Friendly Causeway - Bill Kennedy MBE
SENIOR TEAM - Sponsored by Causeway Active Life - Coleraine FC
INTERNATIONAL AWARD - Sponsored by Hutchinson Engineering - Jacob Blair
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Turley Legal - Shauna O’Neill
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR - Sponsored by Turley Legal - Adam Faulkner