IN PICTURES: Winners revealed for 2026 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards

The Council area’s sports fraternity celebrated another vintage year of sport at the 2026 Derry and Strabane Sports Awards in the Guildhall.

Hosted by Council, in partnership with the District Sports Forum, the annual ceremony recognises the individuals and organisations who have made a significant contribution to sport across the City and District.

Among this year’s winners were teams and athletes competing at the highest level in their sports and the coaches whose guidance has helped others to reach their potential.

The overall Sports Star of the Year award went to Creggan’s clay pigeon shooter Gareth Warren who enjoyed a year to remember in claiming the Irish Doubles and National Sporting League A titles.

The Young Female Sports Star award was presented to multi-talented track and field athlete Ceola McGlinchey who enjoyed a clean sweep in the high jump, long jump and 60m hurdles titles at the Ulster Championships and a gold in the high jump at the National Juvenile Championships in Tullamore.

Aghyaran Boxer Caoimhin Connolly received the Young Male Sports Award after a year where he represented Ireland at the World U19 Boxing Championships.

Newbuildings Cricket Club took the Team of the Year title following their historic treble winning clean sweep of domestic honours, while Strabane Athletic was recognised as Club of the Year for the historic promotion of their senior team to the NIFL Championship and the significant grass roots success of their underage teams.

St Patrick’s and St Brigids College received the Youth Team of the Year award for the outstanding success of their gaelic footballers in winning the Danske Bank Ulster Schools Nagle Cup.

The awards also recognised the contribution of coaches, with Ryan Gallagher named Community Coach of the Year for his work in cricket and another cricket coach Colin Spence receiving the Performance Coach of the Year award.

Triathlete Chloe McCombe received the Disability Athlete award, recognising her another outstanding season that included high placings at the European and World Triathlon Para Championships Series.

This year’s Special Recognition Award went to Ryan Horner and Xavier Prigeny of St Columb’s College, who coached the school’s under-13 football team to win the Northern Ireland Schools Cup for the third consecutive year.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais, presented the awards which she said they were an important opportunity to celebrate the people who make sport such a valuable part of community life.

“Congratulations to all of this year’s Derry Strabane Sports Awards winners,” she said. “Their achievements reflect the talent and commitment that exists across a wide range of sports in our City and District.

“Sport brings so much positivity to our communities, providing platforms for people to develop their skills and build friendships.

“While we rightly celebrate the success of our athletes, teams and clubs, these awards are also an opportunity to recognise the coaches and volunteers working behind the scenes to make those achievements possible.

“I want to congratulate all the winners and thank the District Sports Forum and everyone involved in supporting sport across Derry and Strabane.”

The full list of 2026 Derry Strabane Sports Awards winners is: Disability Athlete: Chloe McCombe (Triathlon), Young Female Sports Star: Ceola McGlinchey (Athletics), Young Male Sports Star: Caoimhin Connolly (Boxing), Sports Star of the Year: Gareth Warren (Clay Pigeon Shooting), Community Coach of the Year: Ryan Gallagher (Cricket), Performance Coach of the Year: Colin Spence (Cricket), Youth Team of the Year: St Pats and St Brigids (Gaelic Football), Team of the Year: Newbuildings Cricket Club, Club of the Year: Strabane Athletic, Special Recognition Award: Ryan Horner and Xavier Prigeny (St Columb’s College)