|
Swimming star, Grلinne Murphy, was today crowned The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council 'Sportswoman of the Year 2010' for her exceptional achievements throughout the year. The 17-year old was presented with her award by Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin T.D. at an awards ceremony in Dublin. Following an outstanding year for Irish women in sport, Grلinne was among 14 other sports stars up for the 2010 title. Renowned horse trainer, Jessica Harrington was also awarded with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her valued contribution to the world of horse racing and jumping.
Grلinne won her Sportswoman of the Month award in August for her performance at the senior European Championships, where she reached three finals and broke an Irish record, twice, and came home with a silver medal for the 1,500 metres freestyle. Since then, Grلinne has continued to add to her growing accolades by winning two bronze medals in the 800 metre and 400 metre freestyle events at the European Short Course Swimming Championships in Eindhoven last month. In Eindhoven, Grلinne also broke Michelle De Bruin's 15-year-old Irish record in the 200 metre individual medley heats, cutting 0.6 of a second of the 1995 time.
Speaking after her win, Grلinne said: "I'm delighted to be named the Sportswoman of the Year, especially given the fantastic year that it's been for all Irish sportswomen. It was an honour to even be included as a finalist with women such as Derval O'Rourke, Katie Taylor, Madeline Perry and Katie Walsh. I would like to congratulate all of the other finalists on their amazing successes that have brought us all here today."
At the awards lunch, Geraldine Kennedy, Editor, The Irish Times said: "2010 has been without question the best year for women's sport since these awards were established in 2004 and we have seen some extraordinary achievements from a remarkable group of sportswomen. The best of Irish sporting talent has provided some of the sublime moments in 2010 that have gladdened the heart and lifted the nation's spirits. And, as everyone here appreciates, never have those moments been more needed. I would like to sincerely congratulate each of the outstanding 14 finalists for their wonderful contribution to Irish sport in 2010."
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Mary Hanafin T.D. said: "Irish sportswomen have excelled both nationally and internationally in a range of sports. It is very uplifting to see how dedicated all of these exceptional sportswomen are to their training. They are an inspiration to us all and are great role models for other young women to participate in sport. I congratulate every one of the finalists for not only their outstanding performances in 2010 but also for devotion to their sports. I want to also pay tribute to your families and coaches who work so hard in the background for each and every one of you. Sport needs its heroes and its champions and we all share in the pride of your achievements this past year. I want to also thank The Irish Times for their continued support for these awards which recognise the abilities and achievements of women in Irish Sport."
Commenting on behalf of the Awards sponsor, Kieran Mulvey, Chairman of The Irish Sports Council said: "The success of Irish sports in the international arena is so important for the country in terms of recognition and morale. It is the dedication and hard work of all of our athletes that put Ireland on the map in such a positive way. I would like to congratulate Grلinne who has had a fantastic year. I have no doubt that she will continue to thrive and have much more success in her swimming career."
Jessica Harrington is one of the top dual purpose horse trainers in Ireland and has been associated with many high profile winners since the early nineties, leading her to win the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's ceremony. Having six Cheltenham Festival victories over the years, one of Jessica's greatest associations is with the chaser Moscow Flyer, who many regard as one of the finest jumpers to come out of this country in the last 40 years. Prior to training, Jessica was also renowned as one of the country's top three-day event riders, having represented Ireland with credit at European, World and Olympic level.
Other high achievers commended at the awards included Katie Taylor, who won her third consecutive International Boxing Association world lightweight title as well as being named AIBA world female boxer of the year; squash star Madeline Perry who won the prestigious Australian Open the same month that Grلinne won her medal at the European Championships; and Derval O'Rourke, for her silver medal in the 100-metre hurdles at the European Championships in Barcelona in July.
Established in 2004 and sponsored by The Irish Times and The Irish Sports Council, the aim of the Sportswoman of the Year awards is to recognise the abilities and achievements of women in Irish sports. The awards run over a twelve month period, with the judges selecting a winner each month for her ability to excel at sport. From the monthly winners, the overall Sportswoman of the Year is selected and announced.
The winner is decided by a judging panel, which is represented by individuals from The Irish Times, RTة, and the Evening Herald.
Further details on the Sportswoman of the Year Awards can be found on www.irishtimes.com/events/sportswoman/.
|