There have been few more deserving.
2015 has been a good year for the country and some of its individuals have excelled across many different arts.
But, for Michael Conlan, this year has been nothing short of meteoric and the Belfast man topped off a truly spectacular 12 months by claiming the prestigious RTÉ Sports Person of the Year award.
Conlan saw off some of Ireland’s best ever names and achievements to clinch the gong that he collects fully on merit.
Having become the first Irish fighter to have medalled at four major games – the Olympics, the Commonwealths, the Euros and the Worlds – the Bantamweight clinched gold just two months ago in Doha to win the respect of the globe. Again.
Now, he prepares for the Olympics in 2016 on the crest of the wave.
Manager of the Year
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland manager, Michael O’Neill was named the RTÉ Sport Manager of the Year after a year which saw the Portadown native guide his team to a first ever European Championship finals by topping their Euro 2016 qualification group.
Hall of Fame award
Kilkenny legend Henry Shefflin was also awarded with the RTÉ/Sport Ireland Hall of Fame award for a career that saw 10 All-Ireland hurling titles return for the Cats with 11 All-Stars to boot.
Team of the Year
It was a fitting end to what has been an unprecedented year for Dundalk FC, too. Stephen Kenny’s men were crowned team of the year after a public vote for a season that saw the Lilywhites win the double and entertain to no end.
