The People of the Year Awards, organised by Rehab, took place last night at the Citywest Hotel, Dublin.
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The Awards provide a unique opportunity to honour the outstanding actions of extraordinary people.
The star-studded event, one of the highlights of the social calendar each year, saw a bevy of stars and well-known faces stepping out on the red carpet to applaud the winners and their stories.
Olympic gold medalist Katie Taylor was named Sports Person of The Year at last night's ceremony.
Katie was presented with the award by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, who commended the sportswomen for her outstanding sporting achievements, most recently as an Olympic gold medallist, and for being a proud Ambassador for Ireland.
Katie Taylor looked stunning in fuschia halterneck gown
Mark Pollock was honoured with a People of the Year Award, for his determination in overcoming significant physical adversity and constantly pushing out new boundaries as an explorer and adventure racer.
Mark, who is blind, is currently exploring the frontiers of recovery through aggressive physical therapy and the use of robotic technology.
Mark was presented with his award by actress Amy Huberman
Joanne O’Riordan took home the Young Person of the Year Award for her determination in highlighting the challenges faced by people with disabilities today. 16-year-old Joanne was born with a rare condition – total amelia syndrome, leaving her without arms and legs, and is one of just seven people in the world with the condition.
Joanne was presented with her award by singer/musician Niall Breslin, AKA Bressie.
Joanne O’Riordan received the Young Person of the Year Award
Full list of winners of the 2012 People of the Year Awards are:
Sports Person of the Year: Katie Taylor
People of the Year Award: The Irish Paralympic team
Young Person of the Year: Joanne O’Riordan,
People of the Year Award: Broadcaster Colm Murray
People of the Year Award: Garda Ciarán Jones
Community Group of the Year: Union Hall, Cork
People of the Year Award: Mark Pollock
People of the Year Award: Dr Tony Scott
People of the Year Award: Cork Penny Dinners
People of the Year Award: Gill Waters
People of the Year Award: Maeve Flaherty
Angela Kerins, Chief Executive, Rehab, and Chairperson of the Adjudication Committee, congratulated the winners saying: “Since coming up with the concept of the People of the Year Awards 38 years ago, Rehab has been proud to play a central role in celebrating the remarkable achievements of people each year and to shine a light on those whose extraordinary deeds might otherwise go unknown. With nominations for each winner from the people of Ireland, these are truly the ‘People’s Awards’ and reflect all that is good about our society.
"Our hope is that by sharing the stories of our winners, their values and what inspired them, they will serve as a beacon to all of us in encouraging us to go further, to do better, to be greater. They show us that with determination, hard work and dedication, almost anything is possible.”
To find out more about the winners click here:
