The winners of this year’s RTÉ Sports Awards have been announced at a gala ceremony broadcast live on RTÉ One television and RTÉ.ie from O’Reilly Hall, UCD in Dublin.
Leading Irish golfer Padraig Harrington was awarded the coveted RTÉ Sports Person of the Year honour.
Padraig was presented with the award live on stage by last year’s winner, Kilkenny hurler Henry Shefflin.
2007 has been an amazing year for the Dublin golfer, culminating in July when he became the first Irish man in 60 years to win the Open Championship and lift the famous claret jug.
Celebrating the collaborative achievements of Irish athletes, The RTÉ Sports Team of the Year award was presented to the Irish cricket team.
After qualifying for the World Cup for the first time, the team produced a stunning performance in Jamaica, beating Pakistan in the group stages and qualifying for the Super Eight stage.
In addition to acknowledging this year’s sporting achievements, The RTÉ Sports Awards 2007 also paid tribute to one of Ireland’s sporting legends as former Irish international soccer player and manager John Giles was presented with the RTÉ/Irish Sports Council’s Hall of Fame Award.
The legendary Manchester United and Leeds United midfielder won his first Irish international cap before he was 19. He went on to captain the Irish side before he embarked on a management career that took in spells as player-manager of Ireland, as well as spells as boss of West Bromwich Albion and Shamrock Rovers.
The RTÉ Sports Awards 2007 in association with the Irish Sports Council were presented by RTÉ’s Michael Lyster, Darragh Maloney and Joanne Cantwell.
The programme also featured a panel of well-known Irish sports stars and analysts, reflecting and debating the Irish sporting year that was.
Former top rugby player Brent Pope, World Indoor Athletics champion Derval O’Rourke, All-Ireland winning Clare hurling captain Anthony Daly, former Irish soccer International Liam Brady, 2006 Ryder Cup vice-captain Des Smyth and All-Ireland winning Cork footballer Tony Davis all offered their views on the highs and lows of Irish sport in 2007.
Glen Killane, Group Head of Sport, RTÉ said: 'RTÉ are delighted to acknowledge the tremendous achievements in Irish sport this year.
'Tonight has shown what a momentous year it has been and we look forward to broadcasting further Irish successes in 2008.'
