Awards hat-trick on the cards?
Friday, 2 December 2011
Young Sports Personality of the Year hopeful, Sally Brown
THREE local sporting figures are in line for an award at the annual BBC Sports Personality of the Year Awards which take place in Manchester on December 22.
Leading the charge is British Open champion Darren Clarke who is up against fellow Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy and eight others for the coveted Sports Personality of the Year Award.
Joining him in the audience at MediaCityUK in Salford just before Christmas will be Eoghan Rua GAC coach Sean McGoldrick who is Northern Ireland's selection in the Unsung Hero category.
Also there will be Springwell Running Club's Sally Brown who has been shortlisted for the Young Sports Personality of the Year Award.
It's a remarkable feat for a small region and testament to the depth of sporting talent which exists on the north coast.
Clarke won the hearts of many when he achieved his lifetime's ambition by winning the Open at Royal St. George's back in the summer.
The big Portrush man played flawless gold for four rounds to finally land the Claret Jug after years of frustration and heartache.
He is currently second favourite to follow in fellow Ulsterman Tony McCoy's footsteps and win the top award and who would bet against him making it successive wins for Northern Ireland.
Sean McGoldrick will travel to Manchester as the first GAA winner of the NI Unsung Hero award seeking to become the first person from the province to win the overall award.
He has given a lifetime of service to the GAA and Eoghan Rua Coleraine in particular and has introduced countless numbers of youngsters to gaelic games.
The Portstewart man also masterminded one of the club's greatest achievements, leading the club's senior footballers to an historic first Derry senior football championship win just over a year ago.
Teenager Sally Brown is no stranger to awards, having already picked up two major accolades this year including Sports Aid's 'One to Watch' and the OCS Young Sports Person of the Year award.
Born with her left hand and part of her arm missing, Sally is one of the youngest members of the GB Paralympic athletics squad for 2012.
She took bronze at this year's Paralympic World Cup event in Manchester, in addition to a gold and silver medal at the World Junior Championships, and is ranked number one in the UK in both the 100m and 200m.
Congratulations to all three nominees and here's hoping they can bring yet more sporting honour to Coleraine later this month.
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
