The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony in Dublin went to Jessica Harrington.
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.
Katie Walsh was a Sportswoman of the month for March in 2010 and she was shortlisted for the overall award of Sportswoman of the Year.
Katie won the award for the first time for her outstanding sporting performance at the Cheltenham Festival this year where she scooped two first place wins, a feat beyond her wildest dreams.
In February Jessica Kurten (show jumping) won the award for the seventh time, making her the only sportswoman who has won the monthly award in every year since they began. She won this due to her triumph at the Swedish World Cup Qualifier in Gothenburg in February, which lifted Kurten third in World Cup rankings and guaranteed her place in the World Cup finals.
World class swimmer Gráinne Murphy was crowned Sportswoman of the Year.
Speaking after her win, Gráinne 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.”
