Sports Lisburn & Castlereagh Celebrates Athlete Achievements

Sports Lisburn & Castlereagh has kicked off the new year by recognising two athletes who excelled in their sport during November and December.

Runner Matt Shield was named November’s winner. After a 10-year break from international competition, Matt represented Northern Ireland at the British & Irish Masters International Cross Country Championships, held in November at Roundhay Park in Leeds. Competing across age categories, Matt finished behind 16 athletes in the men’s 65s but was a clear winner in the men’s 70s category. He secured gold in his age group and his performance also helped the Northern Ireland Men’s 70s team claim team gold.

The November winner was awarded to athlete, Jacob Dumigan. Jacob represented Wallace High School at the Ulster Schools Athletics Combined Events in September. He placed first overall, recording personal bests in all five events. For his age group, the combined event includes hurdles, 200m, long jump, shot put and 800m, all competed on the same day. This performance qualified Jacob for the Irish Schools Combined Games in Athlone in November. He placed fifth overall while competing against older athletes and achieved four personal bests. The top four athletes in the correct age group were selected to represent Ireland at the International Combined Events in Glasgow. Jacob led the Irish boys, finishing eighth overall in the individual event. He achieved a personal best total points score and a shot put personal best of 11.09 metres. His performance helped Ireland secure third place in the U16 boys’ team event. Jacob is currently ranked eighth in the UK and second in Ireland for the U15 boys Pentathlon.

Entries for January & February Sports Personality of the Month are currently open. Nominations close on Monday 2nd March at 5pm. For more details or to make a nomination, click here.

Pictured - November's Sports Personality of the Month winner, runner, Matt Shield.

Pictured - December's Sports Personality of the Month winner, athelete, Jacob Dumigan.