IRISH SPORTS COUNCIL Rugby stars dominate RTE Awards
The winners of the 2009 RTة Sports Awards were announced on Sunday night with the Ireland Grand Slam winning team and the captain Brian O'Driscoll taking the top honours.
On a night celebrating the collaborative achievements of Irish athletes, the RTة Sport Team of the Year award was presented to the Irish international rugby team.
Ireland's Grand Slam-winning captain and Heineken Cup winner Brian O'Driscoll claimed the RTة Sportsperson of the Year title.
It has been an amazing year for the Dubliner who captained Ireland to their first Grand Slam since 1948, was voted RBS 6 Nations player of the tournament and then two months later capped an incredible season by playing a pivotal role in Leinster's Heineken Cup victory.
The Ireland rugby team remained unbeaten throughout the 12 months conquered the world champions South Africa in addition to their sensational Grand Slam win, the first in 61 years.
As well as acknowledging this year's sporting achievements, The RTة Sports Awards 2009 also paid tribute to one of Ireland's sporting legends.
The awards ceremony saw All Ireland-winning Gaelic footballer and manager Mick O'Dwyer presented with the RTة/Irish Sports Council Hall of Fame Award.
One of the most respected and much loved figures in GAA, he has been involved in Gaelic football at the highest level for over 50 years, winning four All Ireland Championship medals as a player before leading Kerry to eight All-Ireland titles from ten final appearances in a 12-year period.
He has also brought Kildare and Laois to Leinster Senior Championship victories and most recently managed Wicklow to success in the Tommy Murphy Cup.
The RTة Sports Awards 2009 in association with the Irish Sports Council was presented by RTة's Michael Lyster, Darragh Maloney and Des Cahill.
The programme also featured a host of well-known Irish sports stars and analysts reflecting on the Irish sporting year that was.
Glen Killane, Group Head of Sport, RTة said: 'RTة is delighted to acknowledge and celebrate 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 2010