LVAC AGM & Awards Night 2025
Lagan Valley AGM and Awards Night 2025
Lagan Valley celebrated the club and all its success throughout the 2025 season at the AGM and Awards night on the 2nd December 2025. There was a great turnout on the night of athletes, coaches and parents who were all there to support the great achievements of the club. It was also a good opportunity for ideas to be shared and decisions to be made, ensuring the club continues to run smoothly in the best interests of all members. Well done to all the nominees and award winners on the night and a big thank you to our coaches who delivered very impressive squad reports for the year.
Below is the award winners and their achievements:-
MINI GIRL OF THE YEAR – OLIVIA SNODDEN
Olivia shone brightly this season earning the title of mini girl of the year with her enthusiasm, determination and happy spirit. Whether in training or competition she always gave her best approaching every challenge with a willingness to learn. Her improvement has been brilliant showing hard work really pays off.
Olivia was a regular throughout the season at the clubs Lagan Valley Fab 5 Events where she posted some strong performances, most notably a top 5 finish in the 1000m in a time of 3.50.0min. Olivia’s determination was always evident on the home straight where she could be seen digging deep for a strong finish in all her races, gaining valuable seconds on her competitors.
Olivia also excelled off the track where she was the First U12 Lagan Valley Girl home in the NI & Ulster Age Group XC Championships for a brilliant top 20 finish.
MINI BOY OF THE YEAR – EIMHIN BOURKE
Eimhin once again had brilliant 2025 season both on the track and over the country. Eimhins love of Athletics and competing is infectious with his constant smile and energy inspiring those around him to share in his enthusiasm.
All season long Eimhin showed a willingness to learn and push himself, turning every session and competition into a chance to improve. This drive resulted in some great performances across a variety of events from the 100m to the 1000m and from the sand in the long jump to the mud in cross county.
Eimhin had a number of podium performances in the Fab 5 Series with a silver in the U12 long Jump with a distance of 3.72m and a bronze in U12 600m in a great time of 1.54.55min.
Eimhin also had a fantastic run in this years NI and Ulster XC Championships where he was part of the bronze medal winning boys team.
Well done Eimhin, keep up the hard work and keep bringing that positive energy.
U13 GIRL OF THE YEAR – BEIBHIN BOURKE
Beibhinn enjoyed a remarkable season, culminating in her being named the U13 Girl of the Year. One of her standout achievements was a major personal best in the 1500m, stopping the clock at an impressive 2:29.41 and showcasing her growing strength and endurance on the track. She continued to shine in championship competition, finishing 2nd at the Ulster Schools Championships, securing a top-five placing at the NI & Ulster Age Group Championships and claiming the gold at the LVAC Championships. Beibhinn’s performances throughout the year reflect her dedication, determination, and natural talent, making her a thoroughly deserving recipient of this award.
Beibhinn also excelled over the softer terrain in cross country with an outstanding top 10 finish in the Ulster Schools as well as strong runs in the NI & Ulster Championships and the Irish National Age Group XC.
Beibhinn goes from strength to strength each year and we look forward to seeing her continue this form in 2026.
U13 BOY OF THE YEAR – ADAM HANNA
Adam has capped of a great 2025 season by being named the U13 Boys athlete of the year, a testament to his hard work and consistency. Throughout the year Adam delivered strong performances, including podium finishes in the Club Championships, where he showcased his talent. His success continued across the Fab 5 Series, securing a number of top 10 finishes against strong fields.
Adam showed great progress achieving personal bests in the 600m, 800m and the 1500m as well as strong runs over a number of XC courses.
In October Adam was part of the U12 Boys Team who had a top 10 finish in the NI and Ulster Age Group XC Championships.
Adams achievements reflect not only his athletic ability but also his commitment to training and the team, making him a truly deserving recipient of this award.
U15 GIRL OF THE YEAR – SOPHIE WYLIE
Sophie’s outstanding season earned her the title of U15 Athlete of the Year, highlighted by a brilliant bronze medal at the NI & Ulster Championships where she set a superb personal best of 13.31 seconds.
Sophie also played a vital role in the girls’ relay team, helping them secure an impressive silver medal at the same championships. Sophie continued to demonstrate her rapid progress by lowering her 200m personal best by over a full second, running a fantastic 26.96.
Throughout the season Sophie was a committed competitor for the club, delivering numerous podium finishes in the Fab 5 Series and consistently performing at a high level. Sophie’s achievements reflect her dedication, talent, and tremendous work ethic, making her a truly deserving winner of this award.
U15 BOY OF THE YEAR – ELIA BOERI
Elia is a thoroughly deserving winner of the U15 Athlete of the Year, with his dedication, discipline, and exceptional work ethic driving the remarkable progress he has made this season. His meticulous attention to detail in training sets a powerful example for others in the group, and the results speak for themselves: Elia achieved personal bests in an incredible 13 events. Among these, the standout improvement was nearly four seconds in the 80m hurdles, recording a superb time of 13.55. His championship performances were equally impressive, earning a silver medal in the 250m hurdles at the NI & Ulster Age Group Championships, as well as a bronze medal in the 80m hurdles. He also won a bronze in the high jump at the Indoor Championships – a performance that secured his qualification for the National Juvenile Championships. Elia’s achievements reflect both his talent and his commitment, making him a worthy recipient of this honour.
U17 GIRL OF THE YEAR – KATIE KEOWN
Katie continued to go from strength to strength in 2025 with great performances across all terrain from the track to the country and the roads.
Katie started the season with an excellent top 10 finish in the Ulster Schools XC Championships and then proceeded to carry her strength from the XC to the track when claiming the silver in the Ulster Schools 800m and then Gold in the NI & Ulster U17 800m.
Katie was a key member of the LVAC ladies team who claimed silver in the NI & Ulster Road Relays as well as the ladies team that finished top 5 in Ireland in the National League Final.
Katie finished the season with PBs in 6 of the distance events setting her up for an exciting 2026.
U17 BOY OF THE YEAR – JUDE GLOVER
2025 was a breakthrough season for Jude in the High Jump where he soared to a new personal best of 1m80. This height placed him top of the Northern Ireland U17 rankings and top 5 in the Senior Rankings. His hard work and perseverance lead to him winning his first Ulster Schools High Jump Title gaining him selection for the Ulster Team at the Tailteann Schools Interprovincial where he finished 3rd. Jude was a key member of the winning Men’s Team in the NI Team Trophy as well as the Men’s Team that made the final of the Irish National League.
Other achievement include:-
🥇 NI & Ulster U17 Championships – Javelin 🥇 NI & Ulster Indoor U17 Championships – High Jump
🥈NI & Ulster Senior Championships – High Jump 🥈 NI & Ulster U17 Championships -High Jump
🥉Irish Indoor U17 Championships – High Jump
🥉Irish U17 Championships – High Jump
MOST IMPROVED FEMALE – MARIANNE DOHERTY & HANNAH COCHRANE
Marianne Doherty showed that perseverance and hard work is the key to success and the 2025 season proved to be her breakthrough year.
Marianne stormed to victory in the Northern Ireland & Ulster Senior Championships 5000m, claiming her first NI Senior Track Title of her career. She also achieved notable personal bests in the 1500m, 3000m and 5000m.
Marianne also made her debut in the 1000m where she claimed victory at the Feile 10k in May.
Marianne is a vital member of the club and a great role model for all.
Other achievements include:-
– 🥇Braids Hill XC Edinburgh
– 16th Northern Ireland and Ulster Senior XC Championships
– 🥇 Open Race at European Club XC Event
– Top 5 finish in Carlingford 5k
Hannah is a richly deserving winner of this award after an exceptionally busy and rewarding season. Competing an impressive 14 times over 800m—alongside strong performances in the 400m and 5k—she demonstrated remarkable consistency and commitment. Her biggest breakthrough came in the 400m, where she slashed over seven seconds from her personal best to finish the season with an outstanding time of 60.04. Hannah also delivered when it mattered most, securing a top-five finish at the NI & Ulster Senior Championships. She was a key member of the mixed LVAC relay team that struck gold in the NI & Ulster 4x400m Championships, as well as the ladies’ team that placed an excellent fifth in Ireland at the National League Final. It’s fantastic to see Hannah making such impressive strides, and she is a hugely valued member of the team.
MOST IMPROVED MALE – SCOTT OWEN
Scott Owen is a deserving winner of this award, thanks to a season filled with outstanding performances across track, road, mountains and cross-country. He achieved personal bests in every event from 800m to 5000m, with the highlight being an exceptional 12-second improvement in the 800m, clocking a superb 2:01.30. Scott’s consistency carried through to championship level, where he claimed a bronze medal at the NI & Ulster Age Group Championships, and he played a crucial role in the victorious U18 boys’ team at the NI & Ulster Cross Country Championships. His versatility and competitive spirit were further demonstrated on the roads, taking victory at the Annaghmore Running Festival and earning silver at the Portadown Running Festival, he was also part of the two man relay that took victory in Downpatrick at the Jimmys 10k. Scott’s commitment, range, and results make him a truly worthy recipient of this award.
MILLS CUP FOR SPRINTING – ELLA MCKELVEY
Ella has once again shown she is a force to be reckoned with in the sprints producing some brilliant performances in the 2025 season.
Ella broke the 13 second barrier for the 1st time in the 100m, lowering her personal best to a superb 12.79. This was in addition to a personal best of 25.47sec in the 200m
Ella did the double at the NI & Ulster U17 Championships, taking victory in both the 100m and 200m and also went on the claim 2nd place in the NI & Ulster Senior Championships 100m B Final. Ella also made the final in both sprints at the Ulster Schools Championships.
To cap a brilliant season Ella was selected to represent Ulster in the in Interprovincial Championships where she finished in a strong 5th place.
Well done Ella on a fantastic season.
SHIRLOW CUP FOR THROWS – AIDA ZUKAUSKAITE
Aida once again proved her strength and versatility during the 2025 season. In the field she had an outstanding hammer season where she improved her PB by over 6 metres to a distance of 48.92m. This placed her top of the NI Rankings and 3rd in the NI and Ulster Rankings.
Aida finished the season in Tokyo where she represented Ireland at the 2025 Summer Deaflympics, finishing in a brilliant 5th place.
Other achievements include:-
🥈NI & Ulster U19 Championships
🥈Ulster Schools
🥈Irish Schools
🥈Irish U19 Championships
🥉Irish U23 Championships
🥉 NI & Ulster Senior Championships
RODGERS CUP FOR HURDLES – REBEKAH ABBOTT
Rebekah has had another brilliant season in 2025 showcasing her ability in a wide range of events, however the hurdles is where she has excelled, resulting in personal bests in the 60mH, 75mH and the 80mH!!!
Rebekah started the season of with a podium finish at the Ulster Schools Championships placing 3rd in the 75mH. She then went on to claim the NI & Ulster U15 80mH title, as well as the NI & Ulster indoor U15 60mH title which she claimed in March.
To cap her season Rebekah was awarded the Ulster Athletic Councils Co. Antrim Star Award in recognition of her outstanding performances and consistency throughout the season.
Well done Rebekah.
MCCORKELL CUP FOR JUMPS – ISABELLA O’DOWD
Issy continued to soar to success in 2025 and proved herself to be one of the top junior high jumpers in both Ireland and the UK.
Issy finished the season with an outstanding High Jump PB of 1.66m which placed her top of the Northern Ireland Senior ranking list as well as in the top 10 in the UK U17 rankings. She also earned international honours by being selected to represent Ireland at the Schools International in Derby where she finished a brilliant 4th.
Throughout the season Issy cemented herself as both the Irish and Northern Irish U16 High Jump Championships as well as the Ulster and Irish Schools High Jump Champion and the Ulster Schools Hammer Champion and as if that wasn’t enough, she achieved PBs in 15 separate events!!!!!
Her willingness to give any event a go is a great example for all in the club and we can’t wait to see what 2026 brings.
BRIAN DOWNING ENDURANCE AWARD – STEPHEN LYSTER
The 2025 Season saw Stephen Lyster prove himself as one of the country’s top middle-distance runners when he claimed his first Northern Ireland Senior Title in the Men’s 1500m. He finished the season with 19 second personal best in the 1500m with a time of 3:53.52, alongside PBs in 5 other events.
Stephen was also a key member of the Lagan Valley Men’s Team who stormed to victory in both the 2025 Belfast City Marathon Relay and the Northern Ireland Team Trophy.
His enthusiasm and commitment make him a brilliant role model for younger members of the club, showing hard work really does pay off.
Other achievements include: –
– Top 30 finish in the NI & Ulster XC Championships
– Top 20 Finish in the Queens 5k
– 🥈 1500m C at Belfast Irish Milers Meet
– 🥉1500 B at Crusaders Irish Milers Meet
– 9th 1500m Irish U23 Championships
JOHN T GLOVER FOUNDER AWARD FOR BEST ALL ROUND ATHLETE – JOE FREY
Joe Fry once again delivered some brilliant performances across throughout the 2025 season showcasing versatility, discipline and competitive spirit. Whether on the track or on the field Joe rose to the challenge setting a standard for all members of the club and showing that the Master athletes can mix with the juniors and Seniors.
Joe had performances in 20 separate events across the season with notable success particularly in the jumps and sprints where he had podium finishes in the Irish Master Championships in the Long Jump, Pole Vault and 200m. Joe also claimed the Northern Ireland Masters Long Jump Title and showed his versatility with podium finishes also in the javelin and 1500m.
Joe represented Northern Ireland at the Inter Area Challenge Indoors in London where he finished in a very close 8thplace.
Joe is a stalwart member of the club and truly deserving of this award.
BILLY BLACK COACHING AWARD – JACQUELINE MURTAGH
Jacqui is pivotal member of the coaching team within Lagan Valley AC and is the driving force behind our mini endurance section. Her dedication and commitment to these juniors is instrumental in the development of the club and the continued success of the athletes. The enthusiasm she instils in the juniors ensures they develop a love of the sport and keeps them involved as they get older and is a key factor in the clubs success story in recent years, particularly in cross country and endurance. Jacqui can be seen jumping for joy at the track side watching her athletes compete and is fully invested in each and every athlete that dons the sky blue and navy. Jacqui represents the very best of what a good coach should be and as a club we are very proud to have her.
FEMALE MASTER – KATE BRADLEY
Kate (aka super mum) has had an outstanding season in the Masters category over all terrains from the track to the mountains.
Kate was ever present in the club colours as well as gaining representative honours for both Ireland and Northern Ireland.
In August Kate travelled to the World Master Mountain Running Championships in Meduno, Italy, where she finished in a brilliant 11th place and was part of 2 bronze medal winning teams
Other achievements include:-
– Age category 🥇 in the Giants Trail race
– Age Category 🥉 in Newry 10k
– PBs in 100m, 200m, 800m, 1500m, 5k
– 23rd in British and Irish XC International
MALE MASTER OF THE YEAR – JOHN JACKSON
John Jackson had a fantastic 2025 with personal bests ranging from 3000m to the Marathon. In May he cemented himself as one of the country’s leading master Marathon runners when he claimed victory in the Men’s 40-44 category in the Belfast City Marathon, this was even more impressive considering he finished 7th Overall. John also had strong podium finish’s in the Hillsborough Half Marathon and the Saintfield 10k. John was also a vital member of the Mixed LVAC team who claimed 3rd place in the NI & Ulster Road Relay Championships.
John was a great supporter of the club throughput the season making sure the sky blue and navy was proudly displayed across the country on all terrain including the track, road and XC.
Other achievements include:-
🥇 3000m Northern Ireland Masters Championships
🥉 Carlingford Half Marathon
37th in Northern Ireland & Ulster Senior XC Championships
CLUB WOMAN OF THE YEAR – JANET PRICE
Janet is honoured as the 2025 Club Woman of the Year, a well-deserved recognition of her unwavering dedication and the positive energy she brings to everyone around her. Known for her constant support, Janet invests countless hours into helping athletes grow in the Sprint and Jumps squad, not only in skill but in confidence and character. Her encouragement never wavers—whether celebrating successes or guiding others through challenges, she is always the first to offer a smile, a solution, or a motivating word. As well as her commitment to coaching Janet is an Athletics NI Official and can be seen out in all weather officiating at the many events throughout the year. Janet’s steady positivity and wholehearted commitment make her an irreplaceable part of the club.
CLUB MAN OF THE YEAR – ANDREW PROCTOR
Andrews recognition as Clubman of the year reflects his outstanding dedication, reliability and spirit throughout the season. Andrew embodies the values of the club with his hardwork and team commitment which has resulted in great success both for him personally and for the club as a whole.
Andrew started the season by captaining the mens team to victory at the Northern Ireland Team Trophy with strong performances in the 100m and 200m. Always willing to step out of his comfort zone for team, he also took to the shot circle to gain valuable points. Andrew was also a key member of the Men’s Team which reached the Premier finale of the Irish National League.
At the Northern Ireland and Ulster Senior Championships Andrew stormed to victory on the B Final of the Men’s 100m as well as making the A final of the 200m where he finished a strong 7th.
This award is a well deserved tribute to Andrews unwavering support to the club.
SPECIAL AWARD – SEAN LAVERY
Sean joined the club at the end of last season and immediately found his place in the Sprint squad where his improvement and commitment has been extraordinary.
Sean ended the season with personal bests in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m and Long Jump as well as podium finishes in the NI Masters Championships.
What sets Sean apart from others and makes his story more incredible is the fact that this all comes only 2 years after donating one of his kidneys to a stranger in 2023, giving them the gift of life.
Sean capped his season by representing Northern Ireland in the World Transplant Games, winning an impressive two gold medals, two silver and a bronze. In recognition of his sporting success, he was also awarded the Janet Coleman Spirit of the Games Award, presented each year in memory of the former Vice-Chair of Transplant Sport NI.
The club is very proud to have Sean as a member and he is a well deserving recipient of this award.
SPECIAL AWARD – LIZ GLOVER
The Fab 5 Series is the club major fundraising event each year and is pivotal to allowing Lagan Valley AC to run as smoothly as it does. This event could not take place without a huge amount of time and effort from the organisers. This commitment is a big ask for club members but an even bigger ask for those who aren’t a member. The hours that Liz Glover puts into this event in the background could not be counted and without her the event would not take place. As well as her effort prior to the events she then takes up her role as Photofinish coordinator on the night ensuring everyone gets an accurate and official time for their runs. Thank you Liz for all you effort.
PARKRUN CHALLENGE WINNERS – SHILEEN O’KANE & RICHARD EDWARDS
