World race-walking silver medallist, Olive Loughnane was crowned The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council ‘Sportswoman of the Year 2009’ today for her performance at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Berlin earlier this year.

Camogie and Gaelic football champion Mary O’Connor and squash star Madeline Perry have shared The Irish Times/Irish Sports Council ‘Sportswoman of the Month’ award for September, it was announced today.