Ireland athlete Derval O’Rourke was today named as the 2006 Irish Times Vhi Healthcare Sportswoman of the Year at an Awards ceremony held in Dublin.
Derval won the Award for her outstanding achievements during 2006.
The highpoints of a memorable twelve months included O’Rourke winning the World Indoor Gold 60m hurdles in Moscow, breaking her own Irish indoor record in the process. A feat repeated six times during the season with her record now standing at 7.84 seconds.
She followed up her brilliant indoor season with more success outdoors during the summer as she won a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the European Championships in Gothenburg.
She also broke more personal records outdoors in the 100m hurdles and was part of the Irish women’s 100m relay team that set a new Irish women’s record in Gothenburg.
A native of Cork, now residing in Dublin, Derval was selected by the judging panel from a list of thirteen monthly nominees, who were also honoured at the Awards ceremony today.
