It was another successful night for cricket at the Annual Newtownabbey Sports Awards.
The Awards were attended by over 300 guests and local personality Jim Neilly compered the ceremony which showcased the sporting talent and contributors in the Borough.

The conclusion of the evening saw Ex Irish International Kyle McCallan inducted into the Newtownabbey Sporting Hall of Fame to join other sporting personalities such as Willie John McBride, Denis McBride, Jimmy Nichol, Alan McDonald, Tommy Wright, Paddy Hopkirk.
This was an opportunity for Kyle's local community to show appreciation as the Sporting Hall of Fame was established to honour outstanding persons, who have gained prominence and have made substantial contributions on behalf of themselves and Newtownabbey through sport.

Kyle who was capped a record 226 times by Ireland and captained on 54 occasions was also awarded an MBE in 2010.

Kyle took the opportunity in his interview on the rostrum to explain how the game is progressing so quickly across the country and eluded to key wins for Ireland against Pakistan and England in recent World Cup Finals which are key to driving the profile forwards. He thanked those who had encouraged him in his early sporting years and fielded some questions posed by the audience.

Another cricket winner was Templepatrick Cricket Club’s Chairman, Duncan Elder who received the Services to Sport Award. Duncan has been Chairperson of Templepatrick Cricket Club for the last 14 years and throughout this time, the club has progressed from a small club to now being recognised as one of the healthiest cricket club’s around.
He is recognised for his firm, fair, honest and wise opinions and judgements of the proposals that come before the committee. He steers with ambition and wants the best for the club yet this is done in a humorous way with a realistic approach that simply cuts to the chase and makes sense.
Over recent years Templepatrick Cricket Club has enjoyed many developments and successes and obviously Duncan as Chairperson has had a key part to play in all these.
Without doubt, Duncan Elder is someone, Templepatrick Cricket Club are proud to say is Chairman of their club, who guides and leads in the correct direction as they continue to progress and offer cricket in their community.

Another winner on the night with a cricket connection was Irish hockey star, John Jackson. John who has been capped over 100 times by Ireland, won the Adult Sports Person of the Year after a great year on the pitch. He is a past player of Templepatrick Cricket Club were his brother James is 1st XI Vice Captain. Another person proving young athletes can be successful at multi sports was Templepatrick CC’s Under 15 fast bowler Jack Magee who made the final three of the Young Sports Person of the Year as Irish Under 17 Javelin champion.

This successful awards night for cricket follows last years equally successful evening where Paul Stirling won Adult Sports Person of the Year, Templepatrick Cricket Club won Club of the Year and Templepatrick CC’s Andy McCrea won Coach of the Year.

Let’s hope the high profile for cricket in the area can continue for next years awards.

Speaking at the awards the Mayor Alderman Victor Robinson commented,
“I am delighted to host the awards and to recognise the excellent sporting achievements of the individuals and clubs in the Borough. I would like to congratulate the winners and those nominated for the contribution they make to sport in Newtownabbey and beyond!”