Finalists announced for the Mid Ulster District Council Sports Awards 2026
The finalists for the Mid Ulster District Council Sports Awards 2026 have been revealed, shining a spotlight on the outstanding sporting talent, dedication and community spirit found across the district.
Almost 100 nominations were received by the Council for this year's awards, reflecting the breadth of sporting talent and achievement across the Mid Ulster District. The entries celebrate individuals, teams, clubs and sporting organisations, as well as the coaches and volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to supporting sport at every level.
The independent judging panel had the challenging task of selecting finalists across the 10 categories, with the exceptionally high standard of nominations highlighting the strength, diversity and inclusive nature of sport throughout the district.
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Deirdre Varsani, said:
“I am delighted to see the outstanding standard of nominations received for this year’s Mid Ulster Sports Awards. The talent, dedication and achievements reflected across our sporting community are truly inspiring and demonstrate the important role that sport plays in bringing people together and strengthening communities across our district.
“Across our 10 award categories, we have an opportunity to recognise not only the exceptional achievements of our local athletes, teams and clubs, but also the coaches, volunteers and supporters whose commitment and hard work help make sporting success possible.
“I look forward to joining everyone at the awards ceremony on Wednesday 18 November at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown, as we celebrate the people
“Congratulations to all those shortlisted. You should be incredibly proud of your achievements, and I look forward to celebrating with you on what promises to be a fantastic evening.”
The shortlisted finalists are:
Volunteer of the Year
Ciara Callan
Hannah Briggs
Lisa Bell
Jennifer Mc Guigan
Unsung Hero of the Year
Pippa Johnston
Gerry Kelly
Fionnuala Mc Grath
Barry Devlin
Paddy Leonard
Stephen Cuddy
Coach of the Year
Niall Bell
Paul Sweeney
Adrian Kelly
Emmett Mc Veigh
Johnny Mc Garvey
Young Sportsperson of the Year
Grace Evans
Cahir Mc Master
Charlie Taggart
Charlie Townsend
Dillon Mc Elroy
Cahir Mullin
Clare Mc Stocker
Charlie Condy
Sportsperson of the Year (Disability)
Andre Neves
Dylan Hunter
Ruairi Kelly
Harry Robinson
Thomas Briggs
Team of the Year
Cookstown Pairs Bowling Team
Derry Senior Hurling Team
Stewartstown Harps Senior Ladies Team
Dungannon Penguins Special Olympics Club
Maghera Ladies 1st XI Cricket Team
Youth Team of the Year (Under 18)
Dungannon RFC U14s
Magherafelt Sky Blues 2016 Blades
Wolfe Tones Bellaghy – U15 Camogie Féile Team
U14.5 St Joseph's College Coalisland O'Doherty Cup Winners
U13/14 Duiche Neill Hurling Team
Club of the Year
Castlecaulfield Youth FC
Magherafelt Sky Blues FC
Duiche Neill Benburb Hurling Club
Magherafelt Titans Basketball Club
Sportsperson of the Year
Lisa Bowman
Randall Crooks
Mark Wilson
Max Anderson
Teo Alin
Sports Photo of the Year
Mike Long
Nicola Coyle
Katie Birnie
Ciara and Chloe Callan
Ballinascreen Scouts
The shortlisted finalists will gather at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown on Wednesday 18 November 2026, where the winners in each category will be announced and the achievements of Mid Ulster's sporting community celebrated.
The Sports Awards provide an opportunity to recognise the remarkable contribution sport makes to the district, highlighting the achievements, commitment and enthusiasm of those who help make Mid Ulster a thriving sporting community.
For further information, visit www.midulstercouncil.org/sportsawards