Conor McGregor could add another accolade to his list of achievements in 2016 after it was announced today that he has made the shortlist for the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year.
McGregor made UFC history in New York last month by becoming the first fighter to hold titles in two weight divisions simultaneously — the only person to ever achieve that goal in the the 23-year history of the organisation. The historic double-gold triumph has been recognised by Ireland’s national broadcaster, who have placed the Notorious in the running for the highest honour that can be given out to an Irish athlete.
Joining McGregor on the shortlist are the likes of rugby player Jamie Heaslip, boxer Carl Frampton and Olympic rowing medalist Paul O’Donovan.
To vote for McGregor all you have to do is text ‘I’ to 53125 (Ire & NI only). Voting lines are open now and will close at 10am on Monday 12th December. Each text vote will cost 60c/60p. You can also vote for free online. RTÉ ask that just one vote comes in per person. Standard terms and conditions apply.
You can view more details via RTÉ here.
The full list of nominees is:
- Seamus Callanan – The Sunday Game Hurler of the Year capped an incredible year by scoring 13 points to ensure Tipperary’s All Ireland victory.
- Eoghan Clifford – Claimed a road cycling Gold and a track cycling bronze at his first Paralympic Games
- Katie George Dunlevy and Eve McCrystal – Picked up Gold and Silver Paralympic Road cycling medals
- Brian Fenton – Dublin’s midfield general continued his phenomenal record of being unbeaten in a Dublin jersey
- Carl Frampton – Became just the second ever Irishman ever to have held World Titles in two different weight classes
- Denise Gaule – Denise added the Camogie Player of the Year Award to her first O’Duffy Cup in a memorable campaign.
- Jamie Heaslip – The World Rugby Player of the Year nominee was a colossus in Ireland’s victories over South Africa, New Zealand and Australia
- Daryl Horgan – Dundalk’s magic man was the outstanding player in a truly outstanding team in the league and Europe
- Conor McGregor – The Notorious furthered his claim as Ireland’s most famous sportsman by moving weight to claim his second UFC title
- Annalise Murphy – Annalise came back from her London 2012 heartbreak to claim an Olympic Sailing Silver Medal in Rio
- Paul O’Donovan – Added a World Championship Gold to the Olympic Silver he picked up with his brother in Rio.
- Bríd Stack – Bríd was named ladies footballer of the Year after picking up her 11th All Ireland medal.
