People of the Year - Honouring the very best of the Irish

The very best of Ireland was on display at Saturday night’s glittering People of the Year Awards.

Achievement — Olympic Gold medallist Katie Taylor — inspiration — the 49 members of the Irish Olympic Paralympic team — and determination — Joanne O’Riordan — were all recognised for their exceptional achievements.

So too was selfless courage when the parents of Garda Ciarán Jones, who was drowned trying to save others from floods in Wicklow last year, were given an honour marking his exceptional sacrifice.

The awards again highlighted the great contribution volunteerism makes to this society.

Each winner was helped in their particular journey by a parent or a coach, friends, or teachers. Their achievements cannot but move others to involve themselves in projects that help others realise their potential.

In the absence of an official honours system, Rehab has for over four decades provided a platform for the recognition and celebration of people who really make a difference, people who can inspire and give hope even in these bleakest of times.

For that, we should all be grateful.