Ms Mary Davis, chief executive of the Special Olympics World Summer Games, has won this year's Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Award.
The judging panel, which was chaired by Ms Norma Smurfit, praised Ms Davis for her "great leadership and conviction" and said the World Games would not have been so successful without her. Twelve other women received Irish Tatler awards last night for achieving success in their respective fields.
Ms Geraldine Kennedy, editor of The Irish Times won the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year Media Award for her achievements as a reporter, commentator and editor.
Ms Christine Buckley, who campaigns on behalf of residential abuse victims, won the Special Recognition Award, while Ms Loretta Glucksman of the Ireland Fund won the International Woman of the Year Award. Novelist and Irish Times columnist Sheila O'Flanagan won the Literary Award, while the Music Award was won by the Tipperary singer and songwriter, Gemma Hayes. The Sports Award was won by Cora Staunton of the victorious Mayo Ladies Football team. Meanwhile, the camogie player, Una O'Dwyer, received the Highly Commended Sports Award for her role in helping the Tipperary team win the All-Ireland final this year.
The Business Award was won by Ms Mary Ann O'Brien, founder of Lily O'Brien chocolates. The actress Anna Manahan won the Drama Award, while actor and playwright Marie Jones won the Northern Ireland Woman of the Year Award.Two new categories of awards were inaugurated this year. The Irish Tatler Hall of Fame Award was won by the entertainer Maureen Potter, and the Fashion Designer of the Year Award went to Louise Kennedy.
