Tony McCoy named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year

Tony McCoy was crowned the 2013 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year on Saturday night.

The 18-times British champion jockey created further history in November when he rode his 4,000th winner over jumps.

McCoy fended off challenges from 11 other leading contenders, including Irish Flat champion jockey Joseph O’Brien, for the coveted prize.

He said: “It’s great, it’s a fantastic honour. Any one of them would be a very worthy winner.”

After guiding his native Clare to All-Ireland Hurling glory Davy Fitzgerald was named as the Sports Manager of the Year, with the Banner also taking the Team of the Year in a public vote.

Former Republic of Ireland soccer international Paul McGrath was honoured with the RTÉ/Irish Sports Council Hall of Fame Award, which was presented to him by Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill.