Northern Ireland v Austria

McDONALD’S PEOPLE’S AWARD GOES TOWOMEN’S FOOTBALL CHAMPION JUNK

Elaine Junk won the prestigious People’s Award at this year’s McDonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards gala.

The People’s Award winner - it was decided by an online public vote - was rewarded for her work in developing girls and women’s football in Northern Ireland. Currently chair of Mid Ulster Ladies FC, the mum-of- two was the first woman elected on to the Mid Ulster Football Association and continues to represent and advocate for women’s football on the Irish Football Association’s Council. She is also a former chair of the Northern Ireland Women’s Football Association. The awards recognise the huge contribution to community football in Northern Ireland of clubs, coaches and volunteers. More than 180 guests were at Belfast City Hall to celebrate award winners across eight categories. Among the special guests were McDonald’s ambassadors Pat Jennings and Martin Keown as well as Julie Nelson, the first Northern Ireland senior women’s international to earn 100 caps.

The Volunteer of the Year accolade went to Phil McKinley, who has dedicated his time over many years to Lurgan Town in Co Armagh. Other winners on the night were: McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year - Sandra Bownes, for her work with Antrim Rovers; Inclusive Award - Neil Ardis, for his work with Valley Rangers Youth in Kilkeel and in setting up an autism football group and a girls’ team; Young Volunteer of the Year - Rebekah Irvine, applauded for her many roles with NFC Kesh in Co Fermanagh. Also: Accredited Club of the Year - Dungiven Celtic FC (strong youth structure and placing community and family at its core); McDonald’s Football Restaurant of the Year - John McCollum, franchisee at McDonald’s Sprucefield, partnership with Hillsborough Boys FC; Wes Gregg Coach of the Year - Corey Wilson of Braniel FC for his wide-ranging involvement with the east Belfast club. Words Nigel Tilson

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