TWENTY-FOUR years ago, this newspaper introduced a new awards scheme, identifying and honouring the cream of young sporting talent in Ireland.

Few could have imagined in 1984 that the Irish Examiner National Junior Sports Stars would develop to such an extent that it’s now the nationally-recognised signpost to future Irish sporting superstars.

Who had heard of Sonia O'Sullivan in 1987, of Roy Keane in 1989, of Seamus Moynihan and Sean Óg O hAilpin in 1990, and of Anthony Foley in 1991?

In the last decade, the awards have identified the budding talents of Ruby Walsh and Jamie Spencer, Damien Duff and Robbie Keane, Olympians Andy Lee and Gearoid Towey, GAA starlets Owen Mulligan, Micheal Meehan and Andrew O'Shaughnessy, Lions Donncha O'Callaghan and Gordon D'Arcy.

And the credits roll continues. Will Rory McIlory, who shares the distinction of being the only three-time Examiner award winner with Sonia O’Sullivan, become a Ryder Cup player in 2008? Certainly his performances this year and in the early part of the 2008 European Tour campaign would suggest he has a great chance.

Think of it. We’ve watched proudly as Irish Examiner National Junior sports stars graduate into Olympians, world champions, Premiership players, Premiership managers, British and Irish Lions, All-Ireland winners, All-stars. There’s only golf’s Majors left!

In GAA, Galway starlet and 2006 recipient Joe Canning might have taken a year out of inter-county senior hurling but he made his presence felt as Galway captured the All-Ireland Under 21 hurling title and Limerick IT won the Fitzgibbon Cup - the Portumna teenager grabbed 1-8 in the final.

Our 2006 athletics recipient, long jumper Kelly Proper won Irish senior and junior titles while boxing winner Ryan Lindberg won his first Irish senior title at bantamweight.

The roll call goes on. Andy Lee, our boxing recipient in 2002, could be heading for a world title shot in 2008 but now we're looking for the next generation.

Do you know someone who meets the highest standards in their chosen sport, and should be nominated for an Irish Examiner National Junior Sports Star award for 2007?