Quinn, McCoy in the running for Sky News award

SPORTS stars footballer Niall Quinn and jockey Tony McCoy have been shortlisted in the first Sky News awards.

The former international footballer, and the most successful jump jockey of all time, are the only Irish nominees for the awards. The Irish golfers in the successful European Ryder Cup team have also been nominated, but Irish viewers only have a few more days to vote for their heroes before the lines close at 6pm on Monday.

The four categories that people can be nominated in are: heroism, innovation, sporting champions and an offbeat category called, “turn back time”.

Quinn has been selected for a heroism award after he donated more than 1.5 million to Our Lady Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin and the Royal Hospital in Sunderland.

Quinn presented the cheques at half-time during the recent Sunderland-Spurs match at the Stadium of Light before he announced his retirement.

The cash was donated after the all-time Irish record goal-scorer held a very successful testimonial match in Sunderland last May.

Others selected in his category include Motor Neurone Disease sufferer Diane Pretty, Paralympic champion Tanni Grey-Thompson, and Jane Tomlinson who ran three marathons despite having terminal cancer.

McCoy is against record-breaking runner Paula Radcliffe, boxer Lennox Lewis and the entire European Ryder Cup team, including Paul McGinley and Padraig Harrington.

The awards have been established to recognise the biggest newsmakers of the year.

“We have watched triumphs as well as failures and each and every one of them has had us glued to their story. It will be fascinating to see who the public feel have made the biggest impact on the year,” said Sky News' Nick Pollard.

Voters for Niall Quinn can call 1530-444-200 or text “Sky heroism 3” to 53307.

Tony McCoy voters should ring 1530-444-400 or text “Sky champion 4” to 53307.

Votes for the Ryder Cup team should go to 1530-444-400 or text “Sky champion 1” to 53307.