Conors’ Diary

Conor started off 2007 by breaking his first Irish record. During the year he broke this record five times and went on to break forty nine records altogether. Conor attends many training camps as he is a member of the Ulster Swim Squad and was made captain of the Irish Team Squad in December 2007. Conor is a member of the 2012 Olympic Games Squad and is extremely dedicated to his training for this event. Conor retained his titles of Ulster Junior Champion and Ulster Senior Champion in Freestyle and Butterfly in December. Conor’s hard work has paid off and his tremendous level of fitness will stand him in good stead for his future competitions.

Conor is now heading off to the junior world championships and has agreed to let us know what he’s up to by sending regular emails!

Click to read Conor’s Diary

Other Individuals and Clubs we have funded:

2007 - Andrew Cowden

Andrew can be viewed as one of the best up and coming cricketers not only Newtownabbey but Ireland had to offer. He was a regular last season in Carrickfergus Cricket Clubs first eleven and will no doubt be very prominent this season after winning the young player of the year award last term. The highly rated all rounder has played at numerous levels including NCU under 13 up to under 17 level, Ulster and Irish schools culminating in playing for Ireland’s under 19 squads.

Andrew has been selected to attend the Australian Sports Overseas International Cricket Academy for 6 months intensive training next winter. Andrew has applied for financial assistance toward attending this prestigious training facility which in turn will aid in him achieving his ultimate potential of competing and excelling at first class cricket. This training is seen as vital in the development of his obvious potential.

This award will be beneficial to Andrew, his club and to the borough as it will bring positive publicity because of his further successes. Andrew further intends to bring back skills and tools that can be used to improve up and coming cricketers in schools and clubs in Newtownabbey.

Click to read Andrews’ Diary

2006 - Joseph Ward

Joseph is a member of Plush MTB Club and has been extremely successful in his career of cycling. He has just returned from winning the European Championships in Italy, which means he is the first cyclist from Northern Ireland and Ireland to win a Gold medal. He is also ranked 6th in the world and 1st in Europe. His successes have led him to be selected to represent his country in Canada at the World MTB Championships in September. Financial assistance will help Joseph to compete in this competition which will allow Joseph to fulfil a dream at the peak of his sporting career.

Above: Joseph Ward showing his cycling skills to the Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Lynn Frazer.

Academy Rugby Club

Academy Rugby Club was formed in 1945 to promote the playing of Rugby Football. The Club now takes part in Mini Rugby which is for children of Primary School age. Academy has got 17 boys who are going to represent Academy Rugby Club and Ulster in Rodez, France, whilst playing against clubs from Biarritz, Toulouse, England Italy and Wales. This tour will promote the sport of Rugby in general and will also promote Mini Rugby to Primary School Level children.