Following a stellar career at both club and international level, rugby legend Paul O'Connell was crowned the Sports Person of the Year last night.
Unable to attend the event due to the hamstring injury that ended his Rugby World Cup campaign, Paul's father Michael accepted the gong on his behalf. A delighted Michael said:
'He's given us a great run for 16 years, and it's been an unbelievable trip. He's doing very well, he's been on a brace and crutches for nearly six weeks [...] but he's been off it since last week.'
His heroics in the Irish jersey made Paul an obvious candidate for the award and the social media judges were in agreement that he was the deserved recipient in the end.
Paul O'Connell is the Sports Person of the Year. Completely fitting. A totemic living legend. Well done #SUAF
— Three Red Kings (@threeredkings) December 5, 2015
Delighted for Paul O Connell sports person of the year what a man what a leader and such a humble man ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
— Mick O Brien (@mickobrien1) December 5, 2015
Nice tribute to Paul O'Connell on #PeopleoftheYear show last night.. Well earned...#Legend
— PSG Sponsorship (@PSGSponsorship) December 6, 2015
Hate to hear the words Paul O'Connell & finishing your career being used in the same sentence #PeopleoftheYear He is a legend regardless
— Dougal (@DougalCMK) December 6, 2015
Congratulations to #pauloconnell #peopleoftheyearAwards #rugby #welldeserved
— Masterchefs (@MasterchefsHosp) December 5, 2015
Sportsperson of the year award couldn't have gone to a better man ðŸ‘#PaulOconnell #Legend #Hero
— Carmel (@McGovy) December 5, 2015
@Munsterrugby @Paul_OConnell @rte Such a gr8 sportsman, a leader among men, full of encouragement & yet so humble. Pride in the flag🇮🇪☘â¤ï¸ðŸ‘ðŸ‘ðŸ‘
— Linden Lad (@Linden_Lad) December 5, 2015
Michael O'Connell accepts the 2015 Sports Person of the Year Award on behalf on his son @Paul_OConnell pic.twitter.com/FuWIXPyeWh
— People of the Year (@peopleawards) December 5, 2015
Well done Paul O'Connell 'humbled' by #PeopleoftheYear award saying how others deserve it more 'outside of our own bubbles' #respect
— Marcais (@IrelandUncut) December 5, 2015
#PeopleoftheYear Congratulations to Paul O'Connell - Powerful leadership qualities. #leadership Well deserved.
— Gerard O'Sullivan (@gosullivan) December 5, 2015
@Paul_OConnell well deserved award
— claire ronan (@Claire_Ronan) December 5, 2015
#PeopleoftheYear @Paul_OConnell #paulie Gentle giant, great guy, Limerick's Sporting legend, Humble throughout his career.. Well done !
— dalex:) Dor Molloy (@1dor) December 5, 2015
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