Sonia O'Sullivan (Athletics) "To be singled out above all your peers is special, particularly at a young age. Now, it's great to look back and see how all the past winners have done. For the youngsters to see that is very important and it must give them great inspiration for the future. They know that if they work hard and continue to follow their dreams, they can become some of the best sports people in the world."

Scott Evans (Badminton) "I is such a boost when you receive it. The first time I won it, I knew about it because my coach had put me forward for it but the second time was even better. I had no idea the second time when I just got a phone call from the blue. I didn't even know I had been put forward. This lady phoned me and I thought she had the wrong number. I didn't believe it. I was in Cyprus with the Irish team at the time and I went on to have a really good tournament. I was on a real high after finding out and I played some really good stuff that weekend."

Anthony Stokes (Soccer) "This award was the first national recognition of any kind that I had received and it showed me that I was on the right path. It was a huge shot in the arm for my confidence and it is something that I will always value. It was great to meet other kids who were as dedicated and committed to their sports as I was to mine."