Sonia O'Sullivan was last night honoured for her outstanding achievements this year with the Canon Hayes National Sports Award for 1998 at a presentation banquet in Dundrum, Tipperary.
The dual world cross country champion and dual European track champion was the unanimous choice of the judging panel. Her father John O'Sullivan was on hand to accept the award on her behalf.
The county award went to junior football coach Seamus McCarthy, who this year brought Tipperary to their first All-Ireland football title of any sort since 1923. Jeremy Staunton of Garryowen rugby club was chosen for the local award for his hugely successful season, which included the Irish Youths captaincy against Wales and Scotland.
The awards were presented by the Minister of State, Noel Davern, and guests included Eamonn Coghlan and Tipperary GAA Board PRO Liz Howard, both members of the national judging panel, as well as former Irish rugby coach Mick Doyle.
1998 Canon Hayes National Sports Awards: National - Sonia O'Sullivan (Cork), athletics; County - Seamas McCarthy (Bansha), GAA; Local - Jeremy Staunton (Galbally), rugby.
