DROMBANNA’S Róisín Ní Riain was named RTÉ Sport Young Sportsperson of the Year at a star-studded ceremony this past weekend at RTÉ Studies in Dublin.
2024 saw the gifted athlete become a double Paralympic medallist, taking home a silver and bronze medal at this year’s Games in Paris for the 100m Backstroke and 200m Individual Medley, as well as double gold at the European Championships (Italy) in the 100m back and 100m breaststroke.
At those Euro Para Championships, the successful 19-year-old’s total medal haul was an astonishing five.
“Just to be in a room with so many great many people from the sporting world is an absolute honour in itself,” a modest Ní Riain told presenter Joanne Cantwell at Sunday night’s awards presentation in the RTÉ Studios.
“To be able to come away tonight with this award is the end to a really great year.”
The other nominees for the accolade were cyclist Lucy Bénézet Minns, Kyla Doyle (boxing), Oisín Joyce (javelin), Eve McMahon (sailing), and boxer Adam Olaniyan.
Cork rower Paul O’Donovan – Ireland’s first Olympian to win medals at three consecutive Olympic Games – was named Sportsperson of the Year at the ceremony.
Ní Riain, along with Rhys McClenaghan (gymnastics), Kellie Harrington (boxing), Daniel Wiffen (swimming), Ciara Mageen (athletics), Katie George Dunlevy (cycling), Katie Taylor (boxing), Paul Townend (horse racing), Anthony Cacace (boxing), Rhasidat Adeleke (athletics), and All-Ireland-winning Clare hurler Shane O’Donell, was also shortlisted in the overall section.
Willie Mullins of Carlow was revealed as Sport Manager of the Year as he became the first champion horse trainer on both sides of the Irish Sea since Vincent O’Brien in 1954.
Sunday’s accolade is the latest in a string of awards for Ní Riain, who was chosen as Para Swimmer of the Year by Swim Ireland in the autumn.
Also in attendance at the ceremony was another Limerick paralympian, rower Tiarnán O’Donnell of Boher.
