Hannifin hails 'a great day for women'

The Irish Times/VHI Sportswoman of the Year: The achievements of Derval O'Rourke in Moscow and Gothenburg ensured her the main prize, but the other monthly winners raised the standard of Irish sport, much to the amusement of the Minister for Education and guest of honour, Mary Hannifin, at Dublin's Westin Hotel.

"Not to be sexist or feminist, but this is a great day for women. The award winners are people who have made their mark at a world stage.

"As a part of the Irish Government, I'm extremely proud of how you fly the Irish flag abroad."

Hannifin also noted the recipient for September was last year's overall winner, Breige Corkery, who contributed some outstanding performances in helping Cork retain both the camogie and football All-Ireland titles.

Katie Taylor's exploits in becoming the amateur boxing World and European champion meant O'Rourke was not guaranteed the main award until it was presented to her coach, Jim Kilty, in her absence. Taylor was recognised with the monthly award for October after winning World gold in New Delhi.

"What the monthly award winners have shown is with perseverance and commitment you can achieve your goals," continued the Minister. "We talk about young people opting out of sport today and the problems with obesity. The winners are the inspiration in convincing young people not to opt out of sport.

"The women here today have had such an influence on other women.

"We also recognise the family sacrifices that have been made. Without support from family and friends it might not be possible to reach such levels of perfection."

The editor of The Irish Times, Geraldine Kennedy, also noted the increase in the standard of women's sport in Ireland.

"This is the third year of the awards but for the first time Irish sports women have left their male counterparts in their wake with two World champions in 2006. Several personalities have become household names in Irish sport.

"Special recognition should also go to their coaches, parents, partners and friends."

VHI took over the sponsorship this year, and their chief executive, Vincent Sheridan, continued the theme of progress within Irish women's sport.

"Young people today - particularly young women - are constantly exposed to excess as apparent lifestyle options, whether it be the need to be excessively thin, the fast food, affluence-induced drive to obesity or the ever increasing trend towards reliance on drugs. None of these are options for those actively involved in sport. Thus, it is essential that extensive visibility is afforded to our sports stars as role models for current and future generations.

"The hugely impressive list of monthly award winners and their achievements provide such role models and have fully endorsed our sponsorship decision.

"All the winners deserve our congratulations. It is a tremendous accolade to be named Sportswomen of the Year from within such company."

The judging panel comprised chairman Greg Allen (RTÉ), Mary Hannigan (The Irish Times) and journalist Lindie Naughton.

Other guests included Olympic gold medallist at Melbourne in 1956, Ronnie Delany; Elaine Fitzgerald, performance manager of Athletics Ireland; Mary Davis, chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland, Brendan Hackett, chief executive of Athletics Ireland, and Denis Kane, chief executive of Druids Glen.

Representing The Irish Times were deputy managing director Liam Kavanagh, sports editor Malachy Logan and marketing director Paul Farrell.