Footballer Robbie Keane has been named International Person of the Year at Saturday night's People of the Year Awards.
The Dublin-born footballer was honoured for his long-running career, which saw him representing Ireland on the international football stage for 18 years. He was presented with his award by One Direction's Niall Horan in Los Angeles.
The 36-year-old sporting legend, who announced his retirement from international football earlier this year, said of the award: "I have spoken this year of how it has been an honour to represent my country for so long.
"I have always worn the green jersey with pride and I will always be grateful for the opportunities to play for and captain the International Team. It has been the highlight of my career. It is a privilege for me and my family to receive this award."
The annual ceremony, hosted by Grainne Seoige and Aidan Power, also honoured Olympic rowers Paul and Gary O'Donovan and sailor Annalise Murphy, who were the joint winners of the Sports Person of the Year Award.
The nation fell in love with the O'Donovan brothers at the 2016 Rio Olympics after they won silver medals, while also being naturally hilarious in their post-race interviews.
Accepting the People of the Year Award, Gary said: “We're really honoured to accept this award and follow so many previous recipients who have inspired us to chase our own dreams. Both of us love what we do and enjoy every moment - even in those cold and wet winter mornings out on the water. We have made many sacrifices to get to where we are but our passion never wanes.”
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Olympic sailor Annalise Murphy, who also won a silver medal at Rio, said it "means a lot to win this award", adding that "it’s great for all the young sailors in the country to realise they can make it if they keep pursuing their dreams".
Other recipients of People of the Year Awards included Davitt Walsh, who was honoured for the bravery he showed rescuing a young baby from the Buncrana pier tragedy in March, Alan Herdman who saved the lives of eight young children who nearly drowned in Rusheen Bay, Co Galway, in July, and Brother Kevin Crowley for running the Capuchin Day Centre, which serves hundreds of dinners a day to rough sleepers.
The AMEN charity, who supports male victims of domestic abuse, was named as the Community Group of the Year at Saturday's ceremony.
Mo Flynn, CEO Rehab Group, and Chairperson of the Awards Adjudication Panel, said: "We are delighted to organise the People of the Year Awards for the 42st year, and are honoured to share the stories of this year’s winners with the nation. These awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge our heroes from communities across the country and from abroad, whose stories and achievements inspire everyone around them.
"With nominations for each winner coming from the people of Ireland, these truly are the ‘People’s Awards’ and reflect all that is good about our society. We congratulate tonight’s winners, and all of the previous winners from the past four decades on their achievements and successes."
