31/07/2026
Crumlin And Valley Leisure Centres Reach Finals Of Prestigious Ukactive Awards
Crumlin Leisure Centre and Valley Leisure Centre have been recognised among the UK's leading facilities after making the final shortlist for the 'Regional Public Centre of the Year' at the 2026 ukactive Awards.
Adding to the honours, Deaglan O'Hagan, who leads Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Leisure Service, has been named a finalist for the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award.
The ukactive Awards are regarded as one of the top accolades in the physical activity and leisure sector. It is the fifth year in a row that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has reached finalist status. This year's programme drew 190 entries across 14 categories from organisations in the public, private and independent sectors.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said: "I'm delighted that Crumlin Leisure Centre and Valley Leisure Centre have been recognised as finalists in this year's ukactive Awards. This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff and their commitment to supporting healthier, more active communities. Congratulations also to Deaglan O'Hagan on being shortlisted for the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award. I wish the finalists every success at the awards ceremony."
The Council has built a strong track record at the ukactive Awards in recent years, securing several notable successes.
In 2022, Valley Leisure Centre was named Regional Centre of the Year. Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre took Regional Centre of the Year (Wales & Northern Ireland) and National Centre of the Year in 2023, and retained the regional title in 2024. In 2025, Arlene McMinn was the national winner of the Physical Activity Hero Award.
The winners of the 2026 ukactive Awards will be announced in Birmingham on Thursday 8 October 2026.
Adding to the honours, Deaglan O'Hagan, who leads Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council's Leisure Service, has been named a finalist for the Outstanding Individual Leadership Award.
The ukactive Awards are regarded as one of the top accolades in the physical activity and leisure sector. It is the fifth year in a row that Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has reached finalist status. This year's programme drew 190 entries across 14 categories from organisations in the public, private and independent sectors.
The Council has built a strong track record at the ukactive Awards in recent years, securing several notable successes.
In 2022, Valley Leisure Centre was named Regional Centre of the Year. Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre took Regional Centre of the Year (Wales & Northern Ireland) and National Centre of the Year in 2023, and retained the regional title in 2024. In 2025, Arlene McMinn was the national winner of the Physical Activity Hero Award.
The winners of the 2026 ukactive Awards will be announced in Birmingham on Thursday 8 October 2026.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Starting off mainly dry with some brightness in the east. Otherwise rather cloudy at times with showers breaking out, these becoming fewer later in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18 °C.Tonight:Any showers will die away out this evening. Then the rest of the night will be dry with variable amounts of cloud and clear periods. Minimum temperature 8 °C.