IABA High Performance Coach, Community Coaches & Referee nominated for Sport NI awards.

Damian Kennedy, with St. Paul’s Antrim boxer, Dylan Eagleson, at the 2022 Men’s European Championships.

IABA High Performance Coach, Damian Kennedy, has been nominated for a prestigious award by Sport NI – and so too have Belfast Boxing Officer Paddy Gallagher, club coach Eamon Corbett and official, Alex

Sport NI has announced selected nominees for certain categories of the 2023 SportMaker Awards today

The SportMaker Awards recognise the outstanding contribution of coaches, officials, volunteers and projects over the last 12 months and the vital role they play in supporting, developing, and encouraging people to benefit from the Power of Sport.

With over 150 nominations across all 11 categories, the SportMaker Awards will showcase a wide range of people who make a difference through sport in their local communities.

The winners will be chosen by a judging panel and announced in the New Year.

Damian was a coach of the Ulster 2022 Commonwealth Games team, which topped the medals table, bringing home 5 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.

Of Damian, his nominator says:

Damien is an experienced and motivational coach who has helped his athletes achieve some of the highest accolades in Northern Irish sport. Damien is charismatic and insightful and can inspire athletes to be the best they can be in their sport.

Damian is nominated alongside coaches from Sailing, GAA, Salto Gymnastics, the LGFA, Equestrian

More information is available here

Two boxing coaches, IABA Community, Schools and Club Coach Paddy Gallagher and Eamon Corbett – Sacred Heart Boxing Academy have been nominated under the Community Coach category.

Of Paddy, his nominator says:

“Paddy is a fabulous coach and when he demonstrates boxing techniques it is quite clear to all that they are watching a very high calibre boxer, his excellence is inspiring.”

Of Eamon, his nominator says:

“He’s an Inspiration to everyone in the community. Eamon is always thinking of the kids to get them off the street and into boxing. He is one of the best.”

Paddy and Eamon are nominated alongside coaches from soccer, basketball, athletics, netball, diving, canoeing, rugby, triathlon and tennis

More information is available here

Boxing Referee and Judge, Alex O’Neill has been nominated in the Technical Official category.

Of Alex, his nominator says

“Alex was recognised as best referee & judge of the tournament in Barcelona in De L’Amistat-Boxa 2023 and is always regarded as one of our best at home in Ulster Boxing.”

More information is available here