The sisters and fiancée of Robert McCartney, the 33-year-old father of two from Belfast who was murdered last January, have collectively received the Irish People of the Year Award at the ESB and Rehab People of the Year awards.
The award was presented by the Minister for Finance Brian Cowen who said it represented Irish people's support for the women's campaign for justice.
The Minister said people want to live free of fear and intimidation and he hoped it would mark a turning point in helping bring the killers to justice.
Catherine McCartney admitted the campaign had put pressure on the family's lives, but she said it would continue.
