www.fight.ie Irish MMA Awards

John Ferguson

On 22nd of Jan this year www.fight.ie announced that we would be holding the first Irish MMA awards!!!

We opened the following sections for nomination. Below are the finalists from your nominations. We will be holding an Awards night mid January, this will be a unique night for the Irish MMA community, a chance for everyone to get together for a nights craic and banter!!

The Sections/Nominations:


Irish Female Fighter of the Year:
Aisling Daly
Claire Craig
Amanda English
Charlie Gilliland

Irish Coach of the Year:
Davy Patterson
John Kavanagh
Mark Leonard
Andy Ryan
Tom Lamont

Irish Team of the Year:
PCCB
Chum Sut
SBGi
Team Ryano
Rush Fight Academy

Irish Fighter of the Year:
Cathal Pendred
Damo Rooney
Lee McKibben
Norman Parke
Colin McKee


Irish promotion of the Year:
Cage Wars
Rumble in Rush
Clan Wars
Cage Contender
Chaos FC

Fight of the Year:

Will be voted for at the event

Irish MMA personality of the Year Award:
Paddy Mooney
Paul Cowzer
John Ferguson
Marty Walker (Jnr)
Rodney Moore


We will also be inducting a number of people into the Irish MMA Hall of Fame

Killme00

Cringe

John Ferguson

Killme00 wrote: »

Cringe

?? Explain......

PinkPants

Peter Lavery should be well in there for personality!! EYOOOO

Barry SeanScoil

Who makes the nominations and votes for the winners????
Where is this event being held???

John Ferguson

Barry SeanScoil wrote: »

Who makes the nominations and votes for the winners????
Where is this event being held???

We put up the sections back in January, what you see above is the results from the emails received. We will be putting a vote system on fight.ie this week to allow people to vote for the winner. The awards will be held somewhere central to all, I am waiting to iron a few bits out then I will let everyone know the rest of the details!!

wingnut4

black tie event? food? beer? olol

John Ferguson

wingnut4 wrote: »

black tie event? food? beer? olol

Looking at a few options, What would you guys like? let me know:)

sdub

I thinks Mr David Jones should be giving some award for all the years of hard work he has put in to making irish MMA what is it today

MarkFairman

David is that you?

Killme00

Have we reached a point where fight.ie takes itself so seriously as to have an Irish MMA hall of fame? :pac:

colinlaird000

This sounds like a great idea, but I personally would worry about offending / stepping on peoples toes! And the voting system sounds dubious. I suppose you can only work with what youre given to be fair.
The get together idea sounds great. I'd go with as formal as possible / food / beer in a good venue. I suppose Newry direction would be the fairest option. Which would mean a lot of people staying over. I'm SURe you could get a good hotel deal, as this would bring in a LOT of revenue. There are a lot of clubs that have been around a while, that don't have the numbers of the big guns, which deserve a mention. I mean the likes of Rush / IMMA / Kyoujin / Informed Performance / Kokoro / Next Gen etc etc really have been around since dirt (in terms of the lifespan of MMA in this country), but just dont carry the demographic of the bigger clubs. Theres also a potential catagory for up and coming gyms who are relatively new within the scene - IFS / Dog Pound etc etc.
Good idea though.

wingnut4

I think formal wear and dinner! but on a budget of course,lol

gives me an excuse to dress up!!!

Sid_Justice

we've had some informal boards awards for mma before, good to see someone take the initative and make something a little formal. i hope you haven't taken much flak for not taking into consideration what some of them up north think about the nominations.

John Ferguson

Killme00 wrote: »

Have we reached a point where fight.ie takes itself so seriously as to have an Irish MMA hall of fame? :pac:

We take every thing we do seriously, that's why we are successful.

Why not have a hall of fame? The people who were there from the start should get the recognition that they deserve!! Or have you any better ideas and if you do are you going to carry those ideas out?

John Ferguson

Sid_Justice wrote: »

we've had some informal boards awards for mma before, good to see someone take the initative and make something a little formal. i hope you haven't taken much flak for not taking into consideration what some of them up north think about the nominations.

Lol it just wouldn't be the same if I didn't take flak!!

I'm always happy to take peoples point of view on board, and as this is the first thing of it's kind I really want to hear peoples opinion. That said it would be better if they said "I don't like this bit. I would change it to..... " rather than sniping from the sidelines

Pccb

Dip into that big wallet of yours ferguson and get proper prizes!!!
All them 20 pound notes in your pillow cases are starting to give u a sore neck!

Mrs Lynch

fightie wrote: »

....... I am waiting to iron a few bits out ....

You dont iron...... i usually end up with it lol

I think it is a fab idea that clubs/ individuals get recognition. The sport has progressed a lot this year and definately good time to hold awards!!!

I am interested in how voting will work as if anyone can vote surely it would be flawed as bigger clubs could just get members and their families to vote :eek:

Anyway best of luck with it

Urs
x

Jason McCabe

Irish Team of the Year:
PCCB
Chum Sut
SBGi
Team Ryano
Rush Fight Academy

No mention of EFR?

mark.leonard

Jason McCabe wrote: »

No mention of EFR?

I think John said they were user submitted? Maybe nobody submitted EFR to the pool.

I agree they are one of the top teams in Ireland, maybe this will spur them to be more active online. Its where all us cool folk hang after all

John Ferguson

OK Folks!!!


I have started talking to hotels about this event

Could you give me an idea of who plans on coming (people/clubs/promotions etc)

I am trying to make this as cheap as possible for everyone but need the numbers to do that!!

Will Heffernan

mark.leonard wrote: »

I agree they are one of the top teams in Ireland, maybe this will spur them to be more active online. Its where all us cool folk hang after all

This is where the fights are really won...well here and in the online mode of Call of Duty Black Ops.

Mrs Lynch

mark.leonard wrote: »

I think John said they were user submitted? Maybe nobody submitted EFR to the pool.

I agree they are one of the top teams in Ireland, maybe this will spur them to be more active online. Its where all us cool folk hang after all

EFR lead the way for so long and definately contributed so much to the sport! Fighters are not only active in Ireland but all over the world in the past year and shows are still run (albeit amatuer) Still producing some of the best and long may it continue;)

Urs
x

weemate

we'll be there.I think its the same weekend as the northern Ireland bjj open so I'll be looking to relax after that.
Maybe for once we all can just go have a bit of fun without the stress of running events/tournaments/coaching........

Barry.Oglesby

Where's this? Belfast? Am I guest of honour? I can do a speech. I know a joke.

wingnut4

Does that mean your going to be suited and booted Mr. Lavery? Ill be there too depending on the price of course,lol give us time so I can try and sell peter to cover our tickets,lol

John Ferguson

weemate wrote: »

we'll be there.I think its the same weekend as the northern Ireland bjj open so I'll be looking to relax after that.
Maybe for once we all can just go have a bit of fun without the stress of running events/tournaments/coaching........

Ok guys

If we have the awards the same day as the Ni BJJ Open a few miles from the Open Venue this is what i can do!!!


Clarion Hotel, Carrickfergus

Full Black Tie formal Event
4 Course Meal
Awards Show with comedian etc
After Dinner Entertainment (Music)


Price £16.50 per person YES only £16.50

Now for anyone staying over they will do a room rate of £50 per couple (double or twin room so £25 each)


So for a full Awards Night for just over £40 inc a room, this seems like a no brainer for me as its cheaper than i could get the meal for further south.

As alot of clubs will be at the Open anyway it could make for a cool weekend for all

wingnut4

sounds good

SBG Ireland

are you the comedian?

John Ferguson

We have added some more awards to the list:



MMA League Teen fighter of the year

Eugene Moraru (Cill Dara MMA)
Matthew Keany (Evolve)
Ryan Curtis (Spartan MMA Northside)
Karl Redmond (SBG)
Thomas Martin (Spartan MMA)



MMA League Adult fighter of the year

Danny Casey (Gracie Barra Tralee)
Jarek Bujnowski (Husaria)
Michal Skrajny (Wexford MMA)

bjj-fighter

fightie wrote: »

We have added some more awards to the list:



MMA League Teen fighter of the year

Eugene Moraru (Cill Dara MMA)
Matthew Keany (Evolve)
Ryan Curtis (Spartan MMA Northside)
Karl Redmond (SBG)
Thomas Martin (Spartan MMA)

Thats class! Thanks a lot for the nomination!

kid chaos

SBG Ireland wrote: »

are you the comedian?

LOL

curious100

Will there be an Irish Teen Fighter of the Year????

Will Heffernan

Forget the teens...will there be a Master's Fighter of the Year for active fighters still claiming to be under 40?

John Ferguson

The 2011 www.fight.ie Irish MMA awards in association with the Irish Daily Star

Gala Dinner and Awards, 22nd Jan 2011. Clarion Hotel Carrickfergus.

Dinner and Awards: £16.50 per person

Bookings can be made with John Ferguson or Ursula Lynch. Tables hold 10 people, but we will have mixed tables for anyone else who wishes to attend!

Menu

Country Vegetable Broth

Stuffed Roast Chicken wrapped in Smoked Bacon
Seasonal Potatoes and Veg

Choice of Sweet

Tea and Coffee


Hotel

Room for 2 £50 B&B

Contact the hotel directly +44 28 9336 4556 and quote Fight.ie MMA awards to get this room rate

This should a great nights craic so I hope to see you all there!!

Mrs Lynch

Hi folks! Ive tried to contact as many coaches as I can and its been a hard task:( Can I ask that you get your coach to contact John or myself with details of requirements as we are taking club bookings first (table of 10 £165);)

You can pm either of us here or fight.ie (or call us) and we will get back to you asap!!!

There is great nite lined up and good way for recognition of talent and contribution individuals have had on the sport in Ireland:)

Urs
x

p.s. yes there will b som ballroom dancin for the older folk;) Now off to Dublin for xmas cheer and beer:p

Mrs Lynch

Mrs Lynch wrote: »

.............. Now off to Dublin for xmas cheer and beer:p

The beer caused a lost mobile on sat nite Can I ask my "friends" when they tx to put their names on!!!

I had few bookings on there so if you are booking can you re-text me with the number of tables:)

Urs
x

p.s. sorry but my first drink since Oct so woz messy (and all SJs fault):p

tyreman1

no mention of philip maher?????????????(RYANO).....he won d league at his wieght unbeaten....then went onto fight and win his first semi pro fight...

wingnut4

see todays groupon offer and you can get this hotel b+b and an evening meal and a glass of bubbly for £55

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/belfast?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_45_0_0_0&utm_source=Deal_general_newsletter&utm_medium=All_Cities&utm_content=Initial_Version&utm_campaign=Varies

Mrs Lynch

wingnut4 wrote: »

see todays groupon offer and you can get this hotel b+b and an evening meal and a glass of bubbly for £55

http://www.groupon.co.uk/deals/belfast?nlp=&CID=UK_CRM_45_0_0_0&utm_source=Deal_general_newsletter&utm_medium=All_Cities&utm_content=Initial_Version&utm_campaign=Varies

Better bargain hunter than me on this one Claire:o lol

Excellent deal!!! Sometimes spa deals here also but remind you guys you cant have facials because you cant put makeup on for good few hours later lolol

Urs
x

SJ Lynch

Mrs Lynch wrote: »

..and all SJs fault

No chance your pinning that on me ya mess! :cool:
Im sure others will back me up.. lol!!

wingnut4

hehe yes Urs its a great deal! im a groupon addict!!

I didnt know that about facials though!

On the other side of things I need a date for this, my husband isnt going ahhhhh and i am not going alone!

Mrs Lynch

Just to let you know that quad rooms are available for four ppl at £90

Again just quote "Fight.ie Awards"!!! Clarion tele 02893364556

Hotel also does an amazing buffet cheap on Sunday for those "vulnerable persons" lolol

Really great response to awards and by Xmas should have all categories finalised so you can think over after stuffin yourselves and get voting

Urs
x

David Jones

First off, I think an awards evening is a very good idea. I have been involved through work recently in a similar event and I would therefore like to point out a few things.

1. Who came up with the nominees and categories?Was there a panel or committee who decided on the nominees and categories?

2. What are the criteria for being nominated in each category?
For example Fighter of the Year, do they have to have fought full pro rules, had a title fight, had more than 1 fight, be over a certain age, fought on more than one promotion etc etc?

3. What are the criteria for deciding who wins?
Leaving it to an internet vote means whoever has the most friends with internet access wins??
E.g. and this is no disrespect to the other nominees, but in the case of Female Fighter of the Year, are you telling me that someone other than Aisling Daly could win it? This would bring me back to the criteria question highlighted in points 1. and 2. Surely she is in a different class of her own and if she did not win it would be extremely disrespectful to her achievements?


In my experience if you want to legitimize nominees, categories and winners, you would have to have a panel of their peers who work off strict criteria in both deciding nominees and winners. (Not who has the most pals on the internet)

As I said, not taking away from the idea at all, in fact I think it’s a very good idea, but I would be concerned that the first awards ceremony should set the standard for all future ones, and it should not simply be a popularity contest. Hopefully this comes across as constructive, not detracting or picking holes, just concern regarding validity and protocol.

Mrs Lynch

David Jones wrote: »

First off, I think an awards evening is a very good idea. I have been involved through work recently in a similar event and I would therefore like to point out a few things.

1. Who came up with the nominees and categories?Was there a panel or committee who decided on the nominees and categories?

2. What are the criteria for being nominated in each category?
For example Fighter of the Year, do they have to have fought full pro rules, had a title fight, had more than 1 fight, be over a certain age, fought on more than one promotion etc etc?

3. What are the criteria for deciding who wins?
Leaving it to an internet vote means whoever has the most friends with internet access wins??
E.g. and this is no disrespect to the other nominees, but in the case of Female Fighter of the Year, are you telling me that someone other than Aisling Daly could win it? This would bring me back to the criteria question highlighted in points 1. and 2. Surely she is in a different class of her own and if she did not win it would be extremely disrespectful to her achievements?


In my experience if you want to legitimize nominees, categories and winners, you would have to have a panel of their peers who work off strict criteria in both deciding nominees and winners. (Not who has the most pals on the internet)

As I said, not taking away from the idea at all, in fact I think it’s a very good idea, but I would be concerned that the first awards ceremony should set the standard for all future ones, and it should not simply be a popularity contest. Hopefully this comes across as constructive, not detracting or picking holes, just concern regarding validity and protocol.

Not negative like some and I find you totally constructive Dave in what your saying and some points I had brought up earlier!!!

John is working on the categories and finalising voting criteria which should be out shortly!!!

Its a great opportunity for those involved in the sport to recognise the achievements of the sport and hopefully do it in the fairest way possible;)

Urs
x

Barry.Oglesby

I reckon a referee of the year award might silence that meddling Jonesy.

cowzerp

An internet poll is completely a popularity contest-i only copped it on the last day and could have asked lots of people to vote for rush if i wanted to days before if i had realised, best thing would be to get each club to have a vote and to get a realistic democratic vote that way..

I seen the total votes of most near the end of the voting and it was obvious who had pushed for votes, even a club i've never had the pleasure of seeing where up the top bit of votes and thats not having a go but hardly team of the year if i've never seen them when im at most shows..

Mrs Lynch

Barry.Oglesby wrote: »

I reckon a referee of the year award might silence that meddling Jonesy.

Lol:D Have to say Dave not a man of many words at times but when he speaks we all listen (must be the teacher in him lol)!

He would definately be in the top two refs in the country easily imo;)

Urs
x

Mrs Lynch

cowzerp wrote: »

An internet poll is completely a popularity contest-i only copped it on the last day and could have asked lots of people to vote for rush if i wanted to days before if i had realised, best thing would be to get each club to have a vote and to get a realistic democratic vote that way..

I seen the total votes of most near the end of the voting and it was obvious who had pushed for votes, even a club i've never had the pleasure of seeing where up the top bit of votes and thats not having a go but hardly team of the year if i've never seen them when im at most shows..

I would really like to see "awards" come off (and not just for the excuse for fancy dress lolol);)

Points have been raised with John who has been finalising details and true that my heart of hearts I would have liked to see all clubs get involved in voting. I have been "nagging" John on different aspects and he has been listening to different feedback from people and hopefully positive system will be put in place;)

Urs
x

p.s. Get those dancing shoes on Paul and start brushin up on your speeches:p

SuperWoody101

cowzerp wrote: »

An internet poll is completely a popularity contest-i only copped it on the last day and could have asked lots of people to vote for rush if i wanted to days before if i had realised, best thing would be to get each club to have a vote and to get a realistic democratic vote that way..

I seen the total votes of most near the end of the voting and it was obvious who had pushed for votes, even a club i've never had the pleasure of seeing where up the top bit of votes and thats not having a go but hardly team of the year if i've never seen them when im at most shows..

Could I ask what poll you are talking about?

David Jones

I reckon a referee of the year award might silence that meddling Jonesy.

Actually I don't think there should be referee or judge etc of the year. You are employed because you are knowledgable of the sport and capable of being impartial (with judges, thats most of the time!) , that doesnt need rewarding with an award.

I was just concerned, the focus seemed to be venue, menu and what to wear, which isn't surely what is should be about.