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Sport

17th Dec 2016

Conor McGregor named RTÉ Sport Sportsperson of the Year

Carl Kinsella

Conor McGregor has been rewarded for his victories over Nate Diaz and Eddie Alvarez with the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year.

The MMA fighter made UFC history this year when he became the first competitors to hold the championship belts in two divisions at once.

He spoke to RTÉ reporter, Clare MacNamara about getting his box licence and whether or not a face-off with Floyd Mayweather is a goer in 2017.

“I can go now and conquer the boxing scene. That’s a very serious thought and a very serious conversation that is happening.

“I certainly don’t need him (Mayweather). I could pick some local schmuck and still do big numbers.

“Of course the Floyd fight is the fight the public want to see. It’s the fight we all want to happen.”

Another big winner on the night was Dundalk manager Stephen Kenny, who picked up the RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year.

Whilst the O’Donovan brothers were named the Team of the Year after their heroics winning silver at the rowing at the Rio Olympics.

Tribute was paid to the late rugby player and coach Anthony ‘Axel’ Foley, who was posthumously awarded the RTÉ/Sport Ireland Hall of Fame Award. His family were present at the ceremony.