Sonia O'Sullivan achieved the ultimate Irish sporting accolade when acclaimed "The Greatest Living Irish Sportsperson" at the People of the Year Awards on Saturday 9th October in the City West Hotel.

Mary McAleese President of Ireland making the presentation clearly had total familiarity with Sonia's career and this made the occasion particularly noteworthy.

The live RTE coverage magnificently captured great moments from Sonia's career including the World 5000 metres championship from 1995; the three European championship victories over 3000, 5000 and 10,000 metres; the world cross country short and long course victories and of course the 5000 metres silver medal from the Sydney Olympics. Best of all though was the wonderful footage from the national cross country in Killenaule in 1987 where Sonia at 17 showed what was to become her trademark finish to beat all the top senior athletes in the country.

We congratulate Sonia on this well deserved honour.