The @paddyb_ireland Social Media Star of the Year – 2016
We live in a digital age where we have seen the continued rise of social media.
It offers a platform for people to air their views, gripes, and everyday thoughts, however for Irish boxers it offers them a place to have the craic and to take the piss.
Therefore we are recognising and rewarding these messers, and who else better to name the award in honour of than boxing’s original Twitter star – Paddy Barnes.
And the nominees are…
Paddy Barnes
The man himself. Among many, many highlights, Barnes hit the headlines for his light-hearted celebrity selfies and ribbing of Rory McIlroy whilst at the Rio Olympics. The outspoken Adoyne fighter took his shock opening round defeat with grace, even making a self-deprecating joke.
@McIlroyRory looking a caddy?………
— Paddy Barnes (@paddyb_ireland) August 9, 2016
Jamie Conlan
Known as the nice guy of Irish boxing, but that doesn’t mean that Jamie Conlan isn’t able to give as good as he gets – evidenced here by his ‘ribbing’ of Derry Matthews following his bodyshot knockout loss to Luke Campbell.
Make sure you stop at the Chinese and get some spare ribs mate your missing a few from last night @derrymathews23 😘😂 https://t.co/HtbVmuTB6M
— Jamie Conlan (@JamieConlan11) October 16, 2016
Mick Conlan
The Belfast fighter’s reaction to his robbery loss to Russian Vladimir Nikitin in the Olympic quarter finals became worldwide news, and his cheeky tweet directed at Russian president Vladimir Putin afterwards became the most engaged-with tweet from an Irish boxer all year.
Hey Vlad @PutinRF_Eng
How much did they charge you bro?? @AIBA_Boxing #Rio2016 😘
— Michael Conlan (@mickconlan11) August 16, 2016
Eric Donovan
The former amateur star has used social media to perfection since turning over in the Summer. From a competition to find his nickname, Lilywhite Lightning, to a couple of call-outs and constant commentary from the RTÉ pundit sees Donovan take a deserved spot on the list.
I’ve just been on the phone to my manager. I’m wanted to box on the undercard of #joshuaklitschko next April 29th 80,000ppl baby!! 👊🏻 LL⚡️
— Eric Donovan (@eric_donovan60) December 11, 2016
Darragh Foley
The Sydney-based light welter has a unique personality and this eccentricity shines through on his Instagram.
Carl Frampton
The two-weight world champion’s cutting sense of humour is apparent on his Twitter account, whether it be at the expense of his gym mates or his former opponents. Frequently answers fan questions – as well as offering withering putdowns to online trolls.
@scottquigg @TheChiquito here lads can I get one? pic.twitter.com/I9dG7r8FjW
— Carl Frampton MBE (@RealCFrampton) May 6, 2016
Paddy Gallagher
The hugely popular welterweight had no time for mind games ahead of his British title eliminator with Tamuka Mucha in December, and offered some Belfast banter in return.
Big tamuka ya boy ye.
Mucha-mmed Ali lol.
Looking forward to a cracker here on Friday. https://t.co/NnXocsUd0w— Paddy Gallagher (@paddy_gal) November 13, 2016
Eamonn Magee
The former Commonwealth light welterweight champion joined Twitter this year to promote his upcoming tell-all book. Since then the Ardoyne fighter has entertained fans with snippets of the scarcely believable story as well as some deadpan humour.
Around this time 24 years ago I was stood in an Ardoyne alleyway waiting for a bullet in my leg. I had been up to no good to be fair…
— Eamonn Magee (@TerminatorMagee) November 2, 2016
Tommy McCarthy
The coolest man in Irish boxing is a fun fighter to follow and, along with Ray Ginley, has some of the best dance moves we’ve ever seen.
Tyrone McCullagh
Frequently the answer to ‘Biggest Messer’ on Low Blows, McCullagh is constantly engaged in good-natured Twitter hostilities with Paddy Barnes – usually regarding food when the other is trying to make weight.
Stare down between me and @paddyb_ireland I think he’s on the beds pic.twitter.com/blOKKjPGdu
— Tyrone McCullagh (@WhiteChoc90) October 8, 2016
Tyrone McKenna
The Mighty Celt’s Instagram account is where the real action is, with some hilarious video clips, but the Belfast light welter frequently takes the mickey out of people on Twitter, with Derry Matthews and Paddy Barnes’s fiancée Mari particularly targetted.
Just seen @paddyb_ireland n @MissBurnsx and with every baby she has it seems she gets greater…milfy mari 👀
— TyroneMcKenna (@Tyronemck) November 21, 2016
Spike O’Sullivan
The busiest Irish boxer on social media, the Cork middleweight orchestrated a whole online campaign that tried to goad Anthony Ogogo into a fight with him. A permanent fixture on your Twitter feed, O’Sullivan is one man who knows the power of the medium.
Back in Dublin with legendary ref Mickey Vann on his last night working the square ring & of course with our old friend the red stool 😜😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/cXhHsRAIJw
— Gary Spike OSullivan (@spike_osullivan) November 6, 2016
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