McIlroy, Leinster and Trap win RTE awards

Rory McIlroy, Giovanni Trapattoni, the Leinster rugby team and Jack Kyle were among those honoured at the RTة Sports Awards in association with the Irish Sports Council on Sunday night.

McIlroy was named the RTة Sports Person of the Year for 2011 at the ceremony, which was broadcast live on RTE television and online and presented by Darragh Maloney, Michael Lyster, Clare MacNamara and Des Cahill.

The 22-year-old broke a dozen US Open records on his way to a famous victory by eight shots at Congressional in June, just two months after a dramatic fourth round collapse at the Masters.

He is number two in the world rankings after a consistent run of high finishes towards the end of the season which included victory in the Hong Kong Open a fortnight ago. He also won a $2million jackpot in the Shanghai Masters in late October.

The RTة Sports Team of the Year award was presented to the Leinster rugby team.

Leinster beat a host of top teams on the way to the Heineken Cup final and won a thrilling decider against Northampton. The Blues trailed 22-6 at half time but turned the match around and won 33-22.

2011 also saw the Leinester team ranked first in the ERC European Rankings.

In recognition of the huge effort behind the scenes and on the sidelines this year RTة introduced the RTة Sports Manager of the Year award.

The award was presented to Republic of Ireland Football manager Giovanni Trapattoni, who steered the Republic of Ireland to Euro 2012 qualification.

An epic draw in Russia and a 5-1 aggregate win over Estonia were among the highlights on the journey to the first major tournament the team has reached in 10 years.

As well as acknowledging this year's sporting achievements, the RTة Sports Awards also paid tribute to one of Ireland's sporting legends.

The ceremony saw Brian O'Driscoll present one of Ireland's greatest ever rugby players, Jack Kyle, with the honour of the RTة/Irish Sports Council Hall of Fame Award.

Belfast native Kyle made his official debut against France in 1947 and went on to make 46 appearances for Ireland. He helped Ireland to their first ever Grand Slam win in 1948 and a further two Triple Crowns 1948 and 1949 and the Five Nations Championship in 1951.

The programme also featured a host of well-known Irish sports stars and analysts reflecting on the Irish sporting year.

Ryle Nugent, Group Head of Sport, RTة said: "2011 has been a fantastic year for Irish sport and RTة is proud to honour the sports men, women, teams and managers that have all achieved so much this year.

"It is a great reflection on our national and international success over the last 12 months that each award had so many worthy contenders. We look forward to broadcasting more great Irish sporting achievements in 2012."