McCartneys win People of the Year honour
The five McCartney sisters and Robert's fiancée, Bridgeen Hagans, were chosen for the bravery they had shown in leading a campaign for justice for Robert despite widespread intimidation orchestrated by individuals with strong links with the IRA.
The citation read: "For their courage and dignity in seeking justice for Robert McCartney in the face of a protracted campaign of intimidation."
Paula McCartney, who received the award on behalf of her family, said it represented a big morale boost as it demonstrated the support of the vast majority of the people of Ireland.
"We're so honoured to win. It shows the people of Ireland want justice for Robert. It's just a tiny minority in the Short Strand who don't. They need to catch themselves on...to have a good think about their actions and morals," said Paula.
She said the award had come at a time when the family felt disheartened at the ongoing intimidation, including a picket outside Bridgeen's home and violent assaults on two close friends of Robert last week.
Meanwhile, veteran BBC radio presenter Terry Wogan was named as Ireland's Greatest Living Entertainer for his outstanding contribution to broadcasting and light entertainment over the past five decades.
Bob Geldof, who holds a honorary knighthood like Wogan, received the award for International Person of the Year in recognition of his role in the Make Poverty History campaign.
Three Dublin schoolboys - Neil Burke, Anthony Maine and Donal Mooney of Palmerstown Community School - were named as the joint winners of the Young Irish Person of the Year award for organising a petition to enable their deported classmate Olukunle Elukanlo return to Ireland from Nigeria to sit his Leaving Cert exams.
Other winners at the gala ceremony held at the Citywest Hotel which was hosted by Gay Byrne were broadcaster Marian Finucane; GAA president Sean Kelly; Travellers' rights campaigner David Joyce and Fr Peter McVerry.
Ms Finucane was honoured for her tireless commitment to others through her work for the Irish Hospice Foundation and HIV/AIDS sufferers in Africa, while Mr Kelly was presented with an award for his "courageous and stylish leadership of the GAA through times of great transition", in particular during the Rule 42 debate.
Last year, David Joyce of the Irish Traveller Movement became the first member of the Travelling community to qualify as a barrister.
Fr McVerry was selected as a Person of the Year for his life-long dedication to the poor and marginalised.
The winners were selected by a committee which included the editors of national newspapers, provincial press and TV and radio stations from nomination made by members of the public.
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