Knockout Night for Belfast Sport as Lewis Crocker Tops 2026 Awards

Belfast’s sporting elite gathered at City Hall on Friday, 17 April, for the prestigious GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards 2026 — an evening dedicated to recognising the city’s top athletes, coaches, teams, and volunteers.

The standout moment of the night saw IBF World Welterweight Champion Lewis Crocker take home the Male Sports Personality of the Year award, capping off a remarkable period in his career.

Crocker Reflects on Journey from Sandy Row to World Champion

Accepting his award remotely from his training base in Australia, Crocker paid tribute to the grassroots boxing community that helped shape his career.

He highlighted the importance of local clubs, coaches, and volunteers, saying his success is built on the dedication of those who supported him from his early days boxing in Sandy Row.

The Belfast fighter described 2025 as a “huge year” both personally and professionally, reinforcing his position as one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting figures.

Caitlin Fryers Claims Female Sports Personality Title

Sharing the spotlight was Caitlin Fryers, who was named Female Sports Personality of the Year.

Fryers’ recognition comes after her recent medal success at the historic Stranja Tournament — Europe’s oldest boxing competition — and ahead of what promises to be a big summer at the Commonwealth Games.

Hall of Fame Honours for Belfast Sporting Icons

Two more names were added to Belfast’s Sporting Hall of Fame:

• Arlene Boyles (Pegasus Hockey Club)
• Kevin Morgan (posthumously)

Both were recognised for their lasting contributions to sport in the city.

Full List of 2026 GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards Winners

Individual & Community Awards:

• Pathways to Club: Jordan Smith (Savage Martial Arts)
• Healthy Lifestyle: Jim McGlinchey (Shaftesbury Healthy Living Centre / Brain Injury Matters)
• Young Aspiring Coach: Jordan McKeown (Hawarden Tennis Club)
• Senior Coaches: Martin Lindsay (Immaculata Boxing Club), Phil Gunning (Belfast Trojans)
• Female Coach: Claire Dowdall (Queen’s University Camogie Club)
• Disability Coach: David McKay (Malone Tornadoes Mixed Ability Rugby Club)
• Volunteer of the Year: Jonathan McClelland (Berlin Swifts and Swiftettes)

Team Awards:

• Junior Team of the Year: North Belfast Harriers Athletics Club
• Senior Team of the Year: Phoenix Basketball Club

Athlete Awards:

• Young Athletes: Chester Enriquez (Origin Gymnastics Club), Yeva Gavrylova (Cheol Taekwondo Academy)
• Disability Athletes: James MacSorley and Katie Morrow

Celebrating Belfast’s Sporting Community

Speaking at the event, Tracy Kelly praised all winners and participants, highlighting the dedication and passion that continues to drive sport across the city.

She emphasised that Belfast’s recognition as a European City of Sport 2026 makes it even more important to celebrate those who contribute at every level — from grassroots volunteers to elite athletes competing on the world stage.

A City United Through Sport

The GolfNow Belfast Sports Awards remain one of the most important dates in the city’s sporting calendar, not only recognising excellence but also reinforcing the strong sense of community behind every success.

From boxing champions to local volunteers, the 2026 awards once again showcased the depth of talent and commitment that defines Belfast sport.