On Thursday 8 June the 2023 Deep RiverRock Blues awards were held in Queen's Whitla Hall. The awards have been running for over 70 years years and provide a platform to acknowledge and recognise our most talented students who compete at a high level locally, nationally and internationally.

Hosted by BBC Sports journalist Thomas Niblock, the evening began with a recognition and presentation of the Blues' awards to 48 Queen's students who have excelled in their sports.

For a full list of the 2023 Blues including their achievements watch the video above.

The presentation of the Blues was followed by the Special Achievement awards which recognises individuals, teams and groups who not only have achieved but also have contributed to the overall development and success of their sport.

2023 Special Achievement Winners...

Inaugural Sporting Hall of Fame

This year also saw the inaugural Hall of Fame awards which honours and celebrates the most distinguished sporting alumni going back each decade to the 1950's. The Hall of Fame will now become an integral part of the annual Blues Awards.

To see who made the first ever Hall Of Fame at Queen's watch this short video below.

Special guests at this year's event included Assistant Ireland Rugby Coach, Mike Catt and Northern Ireland Ladies' soccer team captain, Marissa Callaghan.

Both guests took part in a Q&A session giving the gathered student athletes and guests a unique insight into their sporting lives and backgrounds. Mike and Marissa also acknowledged the impact sport has had on them as individuals and throughout their sporting own careers. 

Karl Oakes, Head of Sport at Queen's rounded off the evening by congratulating all the successful athletes and teams as well as thanking everyone who helped make the 2023 Blues Awards such a great occasion.

Below are just a few images from this year's Deep RiverRock Blues...