Netball Northern Ireland Awards Night 2024 Honours Individuals, League Winners, and Hall of Fame Inductee – Liz Rodgers!

The Netball NI Awards Night 2024 was a spectacular celebration, uniting netballers, sponsors, and the wider netball community of Northern Ireland to honour the extraordinary achievements of league champions, recognise another inductee into the prestigious Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame and applaud other exceptional award recipients. This glittering event showcased the dedication, skill, and passion that define netball in Northern Ireland all set in the stunning location of Galgorm Resort and Spa – Netball NI Partner.

The evening commenced with a grand ceremony as league winners from various divisions took the spotlight. It was a moment of pride for these teams and players who had exemplified remarkable teamwork, strategic prowess, and unwavering resilience throughout the season.  We were privileged to have Debbie Hallas, Managing Director of our retail partner Netball UK, present the league trophies, adding a special touch to the celebrations.

Our Junior League winners this year are as follows:

U14C – Belfast Ladies 1

U14B – Clann Eireann 2

U14A – Clann Eireann 1

U16C – Seven Towers 1

U16B –  Crumlin 2

U16A – Crumlin 1

U19 C – Valley 1 (Not in attendance)

U19B – Kingsway 1

U19A – Crumlin 1

Our Senior League winners this year are as follows:

Senior 6 – Holywood 1

Senior 5 – Strabane Athletic (Not in attendance)

Senior 4 –  Seven Towers 1

Senior 3 – Larne 1

Senior 2 –  Clann Eireann 1

Senior 1 –  Valley 1 (Not in attendance)

Premier League – Belfast Ladies 1

In addition to honouring the league winners, the Netball NI Awards Night celebrated several individuals who had excelled in their respective fields. Awards were presented in various categories, including 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 awardees were recognised for their outstanding contributions, unwavering commitment, and dedication to the sport, earning well-deserved applause from all in attendance.

Individual award winners were as follows:

Primary School Coach of the Year – Award Partner: Trust Ford

Winner: Alison Henry

Secondary School Coach of the Year – Award Partner: Simply Telecom

Winner: Dawn Baxter

Club Coach of the Year – Award Partner: DNT Accountants

Winner: Laura Montgomery

NNI Performance Pathway Coach of the Year – Award Partner: Comm Games NI

Winner: Fionnuala Toner (Pictured: Sheonah Forbes)

The ‘Erin Thomson Award’ for Most Promising Junior Player – Award partner: The Erin Thomson Trust

Winner: Faye Kelly

Official of the Year – Award Partner: Sports Pro Travel

Winner: Debra Devlin

Volunteer of the Year – Award Partner: Northern Ireland Civil Service Sports Association

Winner: Joanne McElkerney

Young International Player of the Year – Award Partner: Kingsbridge Medial Group

Winner: Orlaith Rogers

International Player of the Year – Award Partner: Kingsbridge Medial Group

Winner: Niamh Cooper (Pictured Ciara Cooper)

A defining moment of the evening was the newest inductee into the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame, named in honor of the beloved “mummy of netball,” Moya McVeigh.

This prestigious recognition celebrates extraordinary individuals who have left an indelible mark on the sport and significantly contributed to its growth in Northern Ireland. This year’s inductee was Liz Rodgers. Liz is one of only 5 athletes across world netball who have represented their country in 5 World Cup events, 1975, 1979, 1983, 1987 & 1991, including 2 as Captain.  Debuting at the World Cup in 1975, she had a distinguished netball playing career for NI as well as leading at club level, teaching and bringing up her family.  She has coached hundreds of netballers in both a school and club setting, remaining a close friend and confidant for many. This inductee has held coaching roles for NI in the regional set up and also as a selector. Her achievements go above and beyond those listed above.  Congratulations Liz, we are delighted to welcome you to the Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame!

Moya McVeigh Hall of Fame Athlete Inductee 2024 – Liz Rodgers pictured with Netball NI Executive Manager Karen Rollo-Stewart

In March this year, our U17’s attended the European Championships in Gibraltar, with an outstanding performance, winning all their matches. The team won Gold in the Challenge section. We were delighted to have the U17s in attendance to receive their Gold Medals.

Co-Captains Aoibheann Donnelly and Evie McCafferty receiving their trophy with Kukri Country Manager, Neil Patterson

A huge highlight of the evening was welcoming NNI Senior Head Coach Sheonah Forbes, U17 Head Coach Jenny Clayton and NI Warrior and Miss Northern Ireland 2nd Runner up 2024 Lauren Walshe to the stage for a Q&A.  It was enlightening to hear from some Netball NI coaches and one very special Warrior.

Special Guests Jenny Clayton, Lauren Walshe and Sheonah Forbes with event Host and NNI Digital Media and Communications Executive Emma Wallace