SPORTS AWARDS: Community Sport Award - Barry Gordon (boxing/multi-sports)

The long-serving All Saints Boxing Club clubman has also been involved in the Ballymena Community Sports Forum since its inception in 2005 and many youth sportspeople from grass roots to elite level have benefited from his administrative and development skills.

On receiving the award, Barry said: “I’m very surprised - I didn’t think it would ever happen.”

Barry highlighted some of his work both in boxing and in the Community Sports Forum, where he paid tribute to the efforts of Council Community Sport Officer Gary Boyd.

“There is a really friendly boxing fraternity across the country - I have made some great friends through the sport.

“Watching young children come into the club from maybe eight years old and going onto win Ulster titles makes it all worthwhile,” added Barry.

Also short-listed: Julie Alexander (football/multi-sports); John Clarke (football/multi-sports).