North Down AC Senior Mens team collected another award at a dinner at the Marine Court when Sports Minister Edwin Poots presented them with North Down Sports Advisory Council "Team of the Year" for 2007. Also present were Lady Sylvia Hermon, MP for North Down and the Mayor of North Down. The award recognised the achievement of the Senior Men in retaining the All Ireland League title in Tullamore and finishing third in the British Athletic League "10 in 100" Plate in Bedford. Eva Massey, who represented GB in the shot in the European Cup and broke Mary Peter"s long-standing Northern Ireland record, was presented with an "Award of Merit" after the "Sportsperson of the Year" Award went to golfer Rory McIlroy.
The Minister said sport had a positive influence on our society, in providing a healthy outlet for youth, giving them a sense of achievement and self worth and he also recognised the priceless contribution of coaches and volunteers who give hours of their time for the good of the community. He concluded: “One of the important issues in the development of my Department’s strategy for sport and physical recreation is improving the link between sport and the community, and these awards tonight demonstrate that North Down is a shining example of good practice.”