Tonight, the RTÉ Sports Awards took place. Ireland’s greatest athletes, teams and managers were honoured with gongs.
There was fierce competition in each category, and although there is always going to be debate after such decisions, there is no doubting the credentials of these winners.
1997 Snooker World Championships winner Ken Doherty was the latest inductee to the RTÉ Sports Hall of Fame. Meanwhile, Mona McSharry was named as the inaugral Young Sportsperson of the Year.
Horse racing trainer Aidan O’Brien was honoured as manager of the year, for another remarkable 12 months put down.
The Irish showjumping team were publicly voted as team of the year, making it through stiff competition like the Dubliner footballers, Galway hurlers, and many more.
The main prize of the evening was the Sportsperson of the Year award, with the show profiling each nominee in depth across the two hours. In the end, James McClean was given the award.
McClean scored a crucial goal in Cardiff to beat Wales in the World Cup qualifiers, and captain the country against Mexico.
He is the third footballer to receive the gong, after Packie Bonner and Roy Keane.
Although some felt there were more deserving winners, there were widespread congratulations for the Derry native.
Congratulations to the RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year 2017, our very own James McClean! 🥇🇮🇪⚽️ #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/qlX1yxwP2k
— FAIreland ⚽️🇮🇪 (@FAIreland) December 16, 2017
The Republic of Ireland’s @JamesMcC_14 has been voted RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year #rtesportawards pic.twitter.com/nHSAfjAys2
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 16, 2017
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