It seemed highly appropriate that Mark O'Meara should have got an Irish award last night, given his ancestry and the fact that the preparation for his British Open triumph in July was done in this country. O'Meara, who also captured the US Masters title this year, was named International Star of the Year at the Renault Sports Celebrity Banquet at the Burlington Hotel.

Unfortunately, the player couldn't be present, having competed in the Million Dollar Challenge in Sun City over the weekend. But the award was accepted on his behalf by his brother Brian, who travelled from the US for the occasion.

This was the 11th staging of a ceremony organised by the Links Golfing Society and which raised £92,655 for charity last year. It was confidently expected to surpass that figure on this occasion.

As usual, the occasion was a glittering one, with the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern among an attendance which included leading representatives from the major sporting organisations and the corporate sector. an Kelly and Stephen Roche for the part they played in bringing the Tour de France to this country.

The Superstar of the Year award went to marathon runner Catherina McKiernan, while the Young Star of the Year was Emily Maher, who won two gold medals at the Youth Olympics. Special awards were made to

Sean Kelly and Stephen Roche for the part they played in bringing the Tour de France to this country.