Picture special: A photo finish for Ross athletes in 2019
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The first half of 2019 saw plenty sporting joy for Ross-shire teams and athletes.
Ross County dominated when they won double trophy success with the Challenge Cup and the Scottish Championship gaining promotion to the Premiership.
The Staggies came from behind to defeat Connah’s Quay Nomads 3–1 in the Challenge Cup final.
After falling behind 1-0 at half time, Josh Mullin scored twice before Jamie Lindsay scored late on in Inverness.
The Staggies secured the Championship title by six points over Dundee United. The club organised a public celebration at the Global Energy Stadium before an open top bus parade through Dingwall.
In January, Maryburgh athlete Marty Ross realised his dream by being crowned Strathpuffer 2019 champion.
There was also success for Fortrose brother and sister Lucas and Anna Cairns when they won the Inverness 5k and achieved success at regional and national level throughout the year. Alness sensation Abbie McNally continued her phenomenal rise being called up to the Great Britain squad for the World Junior Para Athletics Championships.
Strathpeffer para-cyclist Fin Graham won two golds at the Manchester Para-Cycling International in March.
Alness disabled footballer Joe Mackenzie won gold with Great Britain at the World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Dingwall Academy won the Scottish School Championship 4x100metre relay and Dingwall athlete Lyndsey Fraser won silver at the Highland Cross.
Ross-shire athletes continued their success into the second half of 2019 with some notable achievements.
In amateur football, Maryburgh defended the Inverness and District Amateur Premiership on the final day of the season in the most exciting title race in years seeing off Avoch and Loch Ness.
Evanton outfit Black Rock Rovers marked their comeback to amateur football by winning the IDAFA Division Two championship and promotion to Division One.
Tain Thistle also retained the North-West Sutherland league title following up their success in their debut year last season.
In shinty, Caberfeidh reached the Camanachd Cup semi final for the first time since 1963.
They came agonisingly close to reaching the final for the first time in 80 years, losing 7–5 after extra time to eventual winners Newtonmore.
But there was success for Caberfeidh striker Craig Morrison who was named player of the year after he was top scorer with 38 goals in all competitions.
Alness para-athlete Abbie McNally won two silver medals at the Junior World Para-Athletics Championships in Switzerland.
She was second place in the T35-38 100 metres and 200 metres.
Munlochy’s Alan Clyne won his 150th international cap at the World Squash Team Championships as he helped Scotland to seventh place in December.
Tain boxer Joanna Wróblewska made the headlines when she won gold at the Scottish Novice Championships at Ravenscraig with a broken arm.
