Mick McCarthy has been named Philips "Irish Sports Manager of the Year" for 2001 after guiding the Republic of Ireland to next summer’s World Cup finals.
The announcement was made at a reception in Dublin’s Berkeley Court Hotel this afternoon. McCarthy was not present and the award was presented to his daughter, Anna, on his behalf.
Among those in the running for the award, voted for by a selection of sports editors from around the country, were record-breaking trainer Aidan O’Brien, outgoing Ireland coach Warren Gatland and Leeds United boss David O’Leary.
The 12 monthly winners were: Willie Anderson (Dungannon RFC), Mick Dempsey (O'Hanrahans GFC), Luke Dempsey (Westmeath), Nicky English (Tipperary), Warren Gatland (Ireland), Pat Holmes (Mayo), Declan Kidney (Munster), Mick McCarthy (Rep of Ireland), Aidan O'Brien (Horseracing), Mick O'Callaghan (Irish rowing team), David O'Leary (Leeds United), and John O'Mahony (Galway).