20/04/2026
Belfast's Sporting Stars Honoured at Gala City Hall Awards
Belfast's premier athletes, coaches, and volunteers were celebrated on Friday evening, 17 April, during the GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards at City Hall. The event, which forms a key part of Belfast's European City of Sport 2026 celebrations, was delivered by Belfast City Council in partnership with GLL and ACES.
IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker was named Male Sports Personality of the Year. Accepting the award via video link from his training base in Australia, Crocker reflected on his rise from boxing in Sandy Row to professional global success.
Lewis Crocker said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for me for this award – it really means a lot. From a young boy boxing in Sandy Row, I'm now living my dream, and 2025 was a huge year for me, personally and professionally.
"But it doesn't come out the hard work and effort of all those around me, in clubs across the city who have all been part of my journey. I'm thankful to every one of them, and this award acknowledges their efforts, as much as my own."
The Female Sports Personality of the Year title was awarded to Caitlin Fryers of Immaculata Boxing Club. The recognition comes following her recent medal success at the Stranja tournament in Europe and ahead of her participation in this summer's Commonwealth Games.
The evening also saw the induction of two new members into the Belfast City Council Sporting Hall of Fame: Arlene Boyles of Pegasus Hockey Club and Kevin Morgan of Olympian Triathlon Club, the latter awarded posthumously.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: "You are all shining examples of the dedication, passion and enthusiasm for sport in our city. As a European City of Sport for 2026, it's vital to recognise all those who give up their time to inspire the next generation of players, get the best from our athletes and help our communities stay fit and healthy.
"Sport wouldn't happen without the coaches, volunteers, players or fans who show up, week in, week out, and success on both the global scale, and here closer to home, really is a team effort. The GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards are extra special too, because they're voted for by the sporting community itself, in recognition of the talent and commitment of their peers right across our city, in so many different sports. Congratulations to all our worthy winners."
IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker was named Male Sports Personality of the Year. Accepting the award via video link from his training base in Australia, Crocker reflected on his rise from boxing in Sandy Row to professional global success.
Lewis Crocker said: "Thanks to everyone who voted for me for this award – it really means a lot. From a young boy boxing in Sandy Row, I'm now living my dream, and 2025 was a huge year for me, personally and professionally.
"But it doesn't come out the hard work and effort of all those around me, in clubs across the city who have all been part of my journey. I'm thankful to every one of them, and this award acknowledges their efforts, as much as my own."
The evening also saw the induction of two new members into the Belfast City Council Sporting Hall of Fame: Arlene Boyles of Pegasus Hockey Club and Kevin Morgan of Olympian Triathlon Club, the latter awarded posthumously.
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly, said: "You are all shining examples of the dedication, passion and enthusiasm for sport in our city. As a European City of Sport for 2026, it's vital to recognise all those who give up their time to inspire the next generation of players, get the best from our athletes and help our communities stay fit and healthy.
"Sport wouldn't happen without the coaches, volunteers, players or fans who show up, week in, week out, and success on both the global scale, and here closer to home, really is a team effort. The GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards are extra special too, because they're voted for by the sporting community itself, in recognition of the talent and commitment of their peers right across our city, in so many different sports. Congratulations to all our worthy winners."
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Cloudy with occasionally heavy rain in the east at first. Drier, clearer weather in the west will spread to all through the evening. Mostly dry overnight, few showers in northwest. Minimum temperature 6 °C.