Paul O’Connell Wins Texaco Sportstar Award

Paul O’Connell was one of the ten sportstars chosen to receive this year’s Texaco Sportstars Awards. Six of the awards were given to first time winners.

Paul O’Connell was one of the ten sportstars chosen to receive this year’s Texaco Sportstars Awards. Six of the awards were given to first time winners.

Other winners were Tyrone captain Peter Canavan, athlete Gillian O’Sullivan, Tipperary camogie player Eimear McDonnell, Kilkenny hurler JJ Delaney and rowing’s Gearoid Towey.

This year’s 46th Texaco Sportstars Awards will be presented by An Tanaiste, Mary Harney TD at an awards ceremony which takes place in Dublin next week. Two additional awards will also be presented to the Texaco Hall of Fame and Special Achievement Award winners both of whose names will be announced shortly.

TEXACO SPORTSTAR WINNERS:

Paul O’Connell: Rugby – The Limerick man had a fantastic World Cup – especially his dominance in the line out.

Gillian O’Sullivan: Athletics – World Silver Medalist, 20km Walk.

Eimear Mc’Donnell: Camogie – Tipperary’s Player of the Match in the All-Ireland final.

Peter Canavan: Gaelic Football – Led Tyrone to the All-Ireland Football title.

Darren Clarke: Golf He became the only player apart from Tiger Woods to win a second World Championship event – the NEC Invitational

Dermot Weld: Horse Racing – Another great year which was highlighted by the victory of ‘Refuse To Bend’ in the English 2000 guineas.

JJ Delaney: Hurling – Was outstanding at half back for Kilkenny in their march towards another All-Ireland title.

Gearoid Towey and Sam Lynch: Rowing – Won bronze at the World Championships in Milan.

Ken Doherty: Snooker – Pipped for the World Championship title by Mark Williams after a series of amazing comebacks.

Damien Duff: Soccer Had another outstanding year and is now a key part of the Chelsea revolution.