Shane Lowry was named RTE’s Sportsperson of the Year last night.
Lowry beat the likes of Katie Taylor, Stephen Cluxton and Seamus Callanan to claim the honour.
The Offaly golfer picked up the award at the end of a year during which he won his first major title, when he romped to victory in the 148th Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
Lowry became just the fifth Irish player to lift the Claret Jug with his career highlight in July, six months after he came out on top in the Abu Dhabi Championship.
"It's been an incredible year" – 2019 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year – Shane Lowry #rtesport #rtesportawards pic.twitter.com/NLSMiV5oFG
— RTEgolf (@RTEgolf) December 14, 2019
Collecting his award at Saturday night’s ceremony, Lowry paid tribute to a fellow Offaly man who recently passed away.
“I am just a normal country lad from Clara and speaking of Clara, we are about to bury a very good GAA man tomorrow. I was down at the funeral today and I will be there tomorrow. I would like to dedicate this to John Buckley and his family,” Lowry said.
“Family and my hometown, my county and my country mean a lot to me.”
Elsewhere on the night, now-former Dublin football manager Jim Gavin was named RTE Sport Manager of the Year after masterminding the Dubs’ five-in-a-row, which earned the side the honour of RTE Sports Team of the Year.
Hall of Fame recipient Sonia O'Sullivan reflects on her glorious career #rtesport #rtesportsawards pic.twitter.com/kATiGRzbD7
— RTÉ Sport (@RTEsport) December 14, 2019
Gymnast Rhys McClenaghan was voted RTE’s Young Sportsperson of the Year for the second year running following his bronze medal at the World Championships while Sonia O’Sullivan’s legacy was recognised with the Cork woman taking home the RTE Sport Hall of Fame Award.
