People of the Year - Inspiring winners

Every year for 39 years, Irish men and women of immense courage, remarkable children, unsung heroes and entire groups have been honoured in the People of the Year Awards.

Anyone who doubts the importance of this event should contemplate the honours list.

Take the inspiring bravery of Donal Walsh, the Kerry teen who, despite battling terminal lung cancer, used his last weeks to highlight the scourge of suicide among his peers. In recognition of his selfless sacrifice, and his courage in showing young people the true value and meaning of life, he was posthumously made a Young Person of the Year. Consider yet another posthumous award, acknowledging the bravery and fearlessness of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe, shot in the line of duty. It was proudly received by his wife, Caroline. The list also includes the youngest ever recipient, 10-year-old Joe Prendergast, who donated the sales of his book to cancer research in memory of his father.

People who lead by example when so many conventional authority figures have lost respect are exceptional and it is fitting they should be honoured. As Angela Kerins of Rehab put it “these truly are the ‘People’s Awards’ and reflect all that is good about our society”.