Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame is a very special place for special people. It is our way of honouring those that have made a significant impact on our sport and federation. A person who’s behaviours, attitude and skills make them someone to be respected and emulated by generations to come.
Nominations are accepted in writing during each years AGM and should indicate at a minimum the impact the individual has had as either a result of their lifting prowess, skill and experience as a referee, dedication to and administration of the sport. The NIPF committee will consider all nominations and approve those that indicate a truly special individual whose personality and dedication to others will inspire.
Hall of Fame Members:
Eddie Finnegan
Eddie Finnegan from Belfast. The man that started things with the NIAWLA and was our first Chairman
Sean Dougan
Sean Dougan from Beechmount Club in Belfast. Secretary and an administrative force behind the NIAWLA. Lifted as a dual lifter: Powerlifting and Weighlifting
Rodney “Duke” Owers
Rodney “Duke” Owers from East Antrim WLC. Lifelong powerlifter with IPF Cat I referee status, European Champion, Secretary of NIWLA and driving force behind powerlifting for over 40 years
Jay Hanna
Jay Hanna from Belfast. Was the first powerlifter from Northern Ireland to make it to the worlds stage in the 1980s where he was ranked in the top 10
Laurence McConnell
St. Gabriel's Club, Belfast. Specialised in Weighlifting and came over to powerlifting for fun. Multiple record holder, WDFPF world champion and record holder... but his friendly smile and big lifting character was what we all loved most
Gina Quinn
Gina Quinn from Beechmount HC in Belfast. One of the first iron maidens in Northern Ireland to compete across GBR as well as referee and photgrapher
Colin Wright
Colin Wright from Enniskillen. Arguably the greatest powerlifter NIPF has ever produced. British Powerlifting Hall of Fame, multiple British and World Champion as well as 2014 World Masters Best Lifter. A fierce competition who was taken from the platform in his prime, we can only guess at how many titles he could have won
George Maguiness
George Maguinness from Beechmount club in Belfast. Took over the Chairman role after Eddie Finnegan. In 2001 hosted the first National level comp in NI history with the then newly started "Four Nations" Championship
Brian Coombes
One of the original team to start the NIPF as Finance Director and then CEO who helped take powerlifting into the mainstream. British Champion and record holder in Benchpress
Dessi Scott
Dessi Scott from Ballymoney Club. A statesman of NI Powerlifting. IPF Category I referee, British Champion and record holder who also represented GBR at both European and World levels competing into his 80's!!
Gerry McLoughlin
One of NIs finest lightweight lifters. Coming from the Ballymoney Powerlifting Club, Gerry was simply the man to beat in 82.5 kg Category for over 10 years. He excelled at deadlift and used this to win NI, Ulster, Celtic and British titles.
Trevor Harvey
Trevor Harvey originally from Joe Scott's Eagle Barbell in Bangor. A power lifter for over 30 years and President of NIWLA. Never missed a competition and always had a smile and good word to anyone
Sammy Porter
Sammy Porter originally from Maghera Powerlifting Club and now Sammy's Gym Maghera. NI Powerlifting legend and THE man to beat in the 1990s and early 2000s. As a 90kg lifter would post the biggest total of a competition. Started the NI Benchpress Championships in 1996 and still hosting them over 25 years later
Ricky Mullan
Ricky Mullan Mr NIPF himself starting off competing as a junior now entering the current year as a master 2, Ricky has guided the NIPF through many changes as the longest serving CEO and various other roles and is probably the most recognised member in the federation