Celebrating Excellence: Netball Northern Ireland Awards Night Honours individuals, League Winners and Hall of Fame Inductees!
The Netball NI Awards Night was a momentous occasion that brought together netballers, sponsors and the extended netball family in NI to celebrate the outstanding achievements of league winners, pay tribute to the first inductees of the esteemed Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame, and acknowledge other remarkable award winners. This star-studded event was a testament to the dedication, skill, and passion that permeate the world of netball in Northern Ireland.
The Netball NI Awards Night began with a flourish as league winners from various divisions took centre stage. It was a proud moment for these teams and players who had demonstrated exceptional teamwork, strategy, and resilience throughout the season. The presentation highlighted their outstanding accomplishments and the commitment they had shown to their sport. We were thankful to welcome Debbie Hallas Managing Director of our retail partner Netball UK to present the League trophies.
Our Junior League winners this year are as follows:
U14C – Clann Eireann 2
U14B – Westside
U14A – Crumlin 1
U16C – Portadown 1 (Not in attendance)
U16B – Banbridge (Not in attendance)
U16A – Crumlin 1
U19B – Laganside 2 (Not in attendance)
U19A – Belfast Ladies 1
Our Senior League winners this year are:
Senior 5 – Bangor 3
Senior 4 – Laganside 1 (Not in attendance)
Senior 3 – Crumlin 3
Senior 2 – Bangor 1
Senior 1 – Donaghadee 1
Premier League – Belfast Ladies 1
Beyond the league winners, the Netball NI Awards Night also paid tribute to several individuals who had excelled in their respective areas of expertise. Awards were presented for categories such as NI Pathway Coach of The Year, The Erin Thomson Award for the ‘Most Promising Young Player’, International player of the year, and Official of the Year. These individuals were applauded for their exceptional contributions, commitment, and dedication to the sport.
Our Winners on the night were:
Volunteer of The Year – presented by Manchester Thunder Player Kerry Almond
Donna O’Flaherty (Newcastle Netball Club)
Official of the Year – presented by Fiona Dowds of Kingsbridge Private Hospital
Catriona Mills
NNI Performance Pathway Coach of the Year – presented by Feherty Travel (not in attendance) Helen Stirling, Chair of NNI Board presented on the night
Jenny Clayton (Belfast Ladies Netball Club)
NNI School Coach of The Year – presented by Jim Quinn, MD of J&K Coaches
Marie McCool (Aquinas Grammar)
NNI Club Coach of The Year – presented by Gareth Clements of Zenith IT Solution
Sinead Toal and Orlagh Mackle (Clann Eireann Netball Club)
The Erin Thomson Award for ‘Most Promising Junior Player’ – presented by Sonya and Alan Thomson from The Erin Thomson Memorial Trust
Amelie Pittam (Seven Towers Netball Club)
International Youth Player of The Year – presented by Stella and Michael Drayne of Draynes Farm
Erin Watson (U17 & Belfast Ladies Netball Club)
International Player of The Year – presented by DNT Chartered Accountants (not in attendance) Karen Greig of Manchester Thunder Netball presented on the night.
Michelle Magee (Senior Warrior, Westside Netball Club & Leeds Rhinos Netball)
Team of The Year – presented by Neil Patterson and Colin Roden of NNI Kit partner Kukri.
Belfast Ladies 1st Team
Club of The Year – presented by Lisburn Racquets (not in attendance) Marc Scott of NI Sports Forum presented on the night.
Clann Eireann netball Club
A defining moment of the evening was the unveiling of the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame, named in honour of everyone’s ‘mummy of netball’ Moya McVeigh. This prestigious recognition aimed to celebrate the extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport and significantly contributed to its growth in Northern Ireland. The first inductees were announced, and their remarkable achievements and lasting legacies were acknowledged, serving as inspiration for future generations.
Our 3 inductees were:
Team Inductee
Westside Netball Inaugural Team, est. 1978
Athlete Inductee
Jenny Clayton
Official Inductee
Maureen Caughers
The Netball NI Awards Night was not just about celebrating the achievements of the winners; it was also a glamorous affair. The Galgorm Great Hall red carpet buzzed with excitement as attendees showcased their impeccable style and elegance, adding an extra touch of grandeur to the evening.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the world of netball, including Multiple Superleague winning coach and ex-England International Karen Greig. Karen graced us with a 20 min discussion around her career and the world of netball and how it has changed in her years of involvement.
We were also lucky enough to have Shadine Van Der Merwe, Lenize Potgeiter and Kerry Almond in attendance for a quick Q&A…the room was in total silence as these legends of the game spoke on stage with event host and Digital Media & Communications Executive Emma Wallace.
As the awards were presented and the night unfolded, it provided an opportunity to reflect on the progress made by netball in Northern Ireland. The event allowed the netball community to express gratitude to everyone involved in the sport, from players and coaches to administrators and volunteers. It was a chance to recognise the collective effort required to achieve success and to thank those who contribute their time and resources to the growth and development of netball.
The Netball NI Awards Night was a resounding success, commemorating the achievements of league winners, honouring the inaugural inductees of the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame, and recognising other outstanding individuals within the netball community. This prestigious event not only celebrated the accomplishments of the winners but also highlighted the immense talent, dedication, and passion that thrive within the world of netball in Northern Ireland. It served as a reminder of the sport’s profound impact and promising future, inspiring future generations to reach greater heights.
We are Netball NI and we are #strongesttogether.
