Michelle Sturm - January

Neamh Woods - February

Gareth Haughey - April

On Easter Tuesday the showjumping team travelled to Silverwood, Lurgan, to compete in the Inter-Schools team showjumping competition and took runners-up spot overall. Twenty teams took part in the event and the Academy team managed to keep a clean sheet right up to the end when the competitors from Banbridge pipped them on time. The team members all jumped clear in the first two rounds and progressed to the jump-off against the clock with seven other teams. Banbridge Academy and Omagh Academy were the only two teams to finish on a zero score. The members representing Omagh Academy were Katie Leonard on Western Myth, Kerri Patterson on Tullycunny Lass, Stephen Clements on My Hidden Surprise and Gemma Elliott on The Sparkling Mr Barrontop.

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The then 19-year old produced a man of the match performance at Croke Park as his home team Greencastle St Patrick’s defeated Kerry side Duagh 0-13 to 0-12 to win the All-Ireland Junior Club Championship final at Croke Park. The left corner back led by example with a brilliant display, helping shut down the Kerry’s side attack, and so ensuring that Sean Teague’s all-conquering men made history by becoming the first Red Hand club side to annex an All-Ireland title. And all this after shipping a heavy blow to the head early in the game which would have sidelined many a player.

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Gareth was the inspirational captain of the Omagh Christian Brothers side which clinched both the Ulster Colleges MacRory Cup and All-Ireland Hogan Cup crowns last springtime. The 18-year, a member of Drumragh Sarsfields GFC, was a colossus at the heart of the CBS defence throughout their memorable campaign which culminated with a stylish victory over Tralee CBS in the national decider at Croke Park. Their mettle and character was tested countless times during their run to Croker, but they passed every test with flying colours, with Gareth leading the way.

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2007 was the year that Strathroy Harps really made their mark on the local soccer scene. Not only did the Omagh-based side romp to the Fermanagh and Western League Division Two title but they also went on to annex the prestigious Mulhern Cup, defeating Mercer League champions Enniskillen Town United along the way. At the heart of the unprecedented success was Gareth, a former Irish Premier League player, who during Harps’ road to double glory was the inspiration in clinching a number of crucial victories. Equally at home at centre-back or centre forward, the versatile 24-year-old scored the opening goal in Harps’ shock 3-0 triumph over Enniskillen Town in the Mulhern Cup semi and, before retiring with a broken cheekbone, was instrumental in Harps’ victory over Fintona Swifts in the final.

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The highlight of a frustrating season for the Tyrone senior captain, when he was again handicapped by injuries, was his exceptional effort in steering his county to an emphatic Ulster Championship semi-final victory over National League champions Donegal at Healy Park. The Clann na nGael ace ran the show from first whistle till last, his mix of selfless endeavour and dynamic running, allied with a sparkling scoring return (five points from play) marking him out as the undoubted man of the match. Back at StTiernach’s Park a few weeks later he skippered Tyrone to Anglo-Celt glory at the expense of battling Monaghan, the 11th senior title in the county’s history and Brian’s fourth overall.

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Noel, a member of Omagh Harriers AC, enjoyed a tremendous season on the track, excelling at national, UK and European level. He won a host of gold medals and smashed no fewer than three steeplechase records along the way. One of these records helped the 16-year old win the 1,500 steeplechase at the Irish Schools and Irish Club Championships. A remarkable second place at the European Youth Games in Serbia was followed by gold in both the Celtic International meeting and the AAA Championships in Sheffield. These series of impressive track runs have also earned Noel, a Drumragh College student, selection as a member of the Irish training squad- athletes identified as having the potential and ability to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London.

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Classy defender Christopher was one of the main reasons why the history-making Tyrone Juniors grabbed all the headlines at the 2007 Milk Cup tournament at the beginning of August. The 15-year-old, brother of Dungannon Swifts player Michael, played in all five matches as the Tyrone lads came within a whisker of reaching the showpiece final. Christopher was the rock on which the young Red Hands laid the foundation for victories over Aspire, River Plate and Dundalk before Tyrone bowed out with heads held high following a titanic struggle with Guadalajara. The vice-captain’s performances earned the Dungannon lad a call into the Northern Ireland under-16 squad which competed in the Victory Shield competition.

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Omagh speed ace BJ was afforded a heroes reception when he returned home after capturing the Virgin Media R6 Cup. He swept to a glorious triumph in the 12-round British motorcycling championship with something to spare. The Virgin series was established to discover and develop the sport’s most thrilling young prospects. Clinching the coveted crown at Donnington in the penultimate round was a phenomenal achievement and has helped secure BJ a Yamaha factory ride for this upcoming season’s British Supersport Championship. Having the backing of an official team should help bring his career onto a whole new level. Previously BJ had won the Irish Mini Moto Championships before stepping up to compete in the Irish and British 125cc series.

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2007 will live long in the memory of all associated with Dromore St Dympna’s and the honour of captaining them to their first ever Tyrone Senior Championship title success fell to modest Fabian. The 24-year’s leadership skills and battling qualities were evident right through their campaign, as he formed part of a well organised and teak-tough full-back line. The fact that opponents Coalisland registered just four points in the County Final speaks volumes for the efforts of Fabian and his colleagues. They went on to complete the domestic double by retaining their league crown at the expense of Carrickmore in the decider and were only denied a spot in the Ulster Final following a titanic tussle with Crossmaglen. Throughout the year Fabian was there to coax and drive his team-mates to greater heights.

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THE sterling work of Omagh Riding for the Disabled (RDA) was recognised in November when the local Equestrian Centre received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Receiving the award on behalf of Omagh RDA was Gwen Garrett, who for the past 10 years has been one of the key figures responsible for driving progress and initiating developments at the Centre. Under her guidance, Omagh RDA currently lays on equestrian activities for 60 plus children a week - many with physical disability and learning difficulties - providing a medium for exercise and device for the building of self-confidence. The Arvalee based centre has been in operation for 26 years and over the past decade our November personality winner has helped build up an invaluable team of 80 volunteers.

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Thirty-two year old Niall clinched victory in the Open 82.5kg class at the Northern Ireland Unequipped Powerlifting Championships. On top of that it was only due to his enterprise and sheer hard work that his home town of Omagh was chosen as the location for this prestigious event in the first place. He was one of the main organisers, helping to get the required sponsorship and backing so that the Championships could go ahead. Competitors and visitors came from across the country to take part with the entry field 40 per cent up on the previous year. A member of the flourishing Omagh Powerlifting Club, Niall has claimed success several times in both the NI Powerlifting and Benchpress Championships in the past, while he also claimed a silver medal in the Irish Championships in 2005.

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