The Canon Hayes Recreation Centre sports awards are to be once again presented at a special gala dinner on October 16th. The Tipperary awards are to honour outstanding sportspersons at local, county and national level.

The success of the first event in 1996 ensured that the awards would become an annual function. Last year Ireland's outstanding marathon runner Catherina McKiernan won the national prize. Jockey Christie Roche picked up the county award while rugby players Alan Quinlan and John Lacey were chosen as the outstanding local sportspersons.

A number of leading personalities are expected to attend this year's presentation, including Olympic silver medallist and Sports Council chief executive John Treacy, leading GAA commentator Michael O Muircheartaigh and former 5,000 metres world champion Eamon Coghlan as well as this year's winners who have yet to be announced. The awards will be presented by the Minister of Tourism and Sport Dr Jim McDaid in Dundrum House Hotel.