Republic of Ireland international football manager Mick McCarthy was the national winner at the sixth annual Canon Hayes National Sports Awards.

The awards, sponsored by The Irish Times, were presented at a glittering gala banquet in Dundrum House Hotel in Co Tipperary on Saturday night.

The Republic of Ireland manager beat off Tipperary hurling captain Tommy Dunne and top horse racing trainer Aidan O'Brien to take the award.

It was accepted on his behalf by team physio Mick Byrne as McCarthy is currently in Japan making preparations for the World Cup.

There was some consolation for Dunne as the Tipperary hurlers took the County Award.

A special outstanding achievement award was presented to the Irish rowers Sam Lynch, Tony O'Connor, Gear≤id Towey and SinΘad Jennings, who won gold medals at the World Championships in Lucerne.