Davitt Walsh among winners at the People of the Year Awards

A huge, well deserved, congratulations.

The 42nd annual People of the Year awards took place on Saturday night. The ceremony is a special opportunity for the Irish public to honour and celebrate those extraordinary people who have shown courage, bravery, commitment and determination. The black-tie event was held in the Citywest Hotel and broadcast live on RTÉ One. The winners were joined by family, friends and supporters. Irish celebrities also payed tribute on the night. With Liam Cunningham, Claire Byrne and Jim McGuinness and Niall Horan featuring in the show. The winners were based on nominations received from members of the public. One winner was Davitt Walsh who showed incredible bravery by rescuing rescuing young baby Rioghnach-Ann McGrotty  from the Buncrana pier tragedy in March. “The only time I feared for my safety was on my way back from the car because I thought I wasn’t going to make it back to shore. I was physically exhausted, I was struggling and I actually feared for the baby’s life more than my own. I really wanted to get her back to shore.” He said of the incident. https://twitter.com/peopleawards/status/805190167891939329 Robbie Keane received the International Person of the Year Award for his inspirational service, leadership and passion. The footballer made a huge contribution to soccer in Ireland, and all over the world, and will always be known as a stalwart member of the Irish team.

“I have spoken this year of how it has been an honour to represent my country for so long. I have always worn the green jersey with pride and I will always be grateful for the opportunities to play for and captain the International Team. It has been the highlight of my career. It is a privilege for me and my family to receive this award.” Robbie said.

https://twitter.com/1DLocated/status/805283154881900544 Olympic medallists Paul and Gary O’Donovan, and Annalise Murphy were joint winners of the Sports Person of the Year Award. https://twitter.com/ucdsportsclubs/status/805205881080180740 Ireland’s Paralympic medallists were also honoured with a Sports Person of the Year Award for their incredible success in the Rio Games. The team took home 11 medals. 24-year-old Alan Herdman received a Young Person of the Year Award for saving eight young children who nearly drowned in Rusheen Bay, Co Galway, in July. Male victims of domestic abuse charity AMEN was named as the Community Group of the Year. Brother Kevin Crowley was awarded a People of the Year for running the Capuchin Day Centre, which serves hundreds of dinners a day to rough sleepers. The historic Connacht Rugby win which say the team win their first trophy in 131 years granted John Muldoon and Pat Lam a Person of the Year Award. Róisín and Mark Molloy were honoured with a People of the Year Award for their campaign in highlighting the inadequate standards of maternity services. An eleven-year-old boy received a Young Person of the Year Award after he raised nearly €18,000 for Syrian refugees. Milo McCarthy raised the money by busking on the streets of Cork City and his hometown of Midleton.

'These awards give us the opportunity to acknowledge our heroes from communities across the country and from abroad, whose stories and achievements inspire everyone around them.'' Mo Flynn, CEO Rehab Group, and Chairperson of the Awards Adjudication Panel said

Adding that the awards ''reflect all that is good about our society''.