Overend lauds Mid Ulster sports stars

MLA congratulates sports men and women from all disciplines as bumper summer of sport draws to a close.

Ulster Unionist assemblywoman Sandra Overend has described the sportsmen and women of Mid Ulster as "heroes" as she's welcomed home the area's cast of returning Olympians and record-breaking footballers.

Cookstown’s David Ames and Ian Sloan who were part of the Team GB hockey squad at the Olympic Games in Rio as well as fellow Cookstown men Stuart Dallas and Aaron Hughes were singled out for praise by the MLA for Mid Ulster.

Donaghmore’s Nial McGinn who also represented Northern Ireland at Euro 2016 in France was also praised.

Mrs Overend said:

“I want to pass on my sincere congratulations to our sporting heroes after an incredible summer of success on the world stage. Cookstown’s David Ames and Ian Sloan may have not have come home from Rio with a medal, but the people of Mid Ulster are very proud of their achievements in being selected to represent Team GB in the Olympic hockey competition.

“I also want to congratulate Stuart Dallas and Aaron Hughes, as well as Niall McGinn on representing Northern Ireland with such distinction at Euro 2016 in France.  This is something I missed out on mentioning at the time, as I was off work for personal health reasons."

Not stopping there, the assemblywoman went on to thank the huge number of teams and coaches that put so much work into helping the area's sportspeople perform to such distinction.

“Mid Ulster was well and truly placed on the sporting map this summer, and each and every one of our local stars was a real credit to themselves, their families and friends and their local area and set a fantastic example to the children and young people that look up to them," she said.

“Much credit must also go to all of the coaches, teachers and helpers involved in our local clubs and schools, with Cookstown High School, Cookstown Hockey Club, Cookstown Youth and Dungannon United Youth amongst those that have been instrumental in helping our local heroes get to where they are today. These dedicated volunteers help to bring on the next generation of sporting talent, who will no doubt have been inspired by the summer of 2016," she added.