Previous People of the Year
Over the past 36 years, the People of the Year Awards have recognised those who have shown tremendous courage, dedication and dynamism. Through their bravery, their perserverence, their talent, generosity and commitment, they have enriched the lives of others. Their stories are inspiring and reflect all that is best in the human spirit.
2008 Orla Tinsley Joint Young Person of the Year
For her passionate, skilful and, ultimately crucial role in the campaign for better services that will increase the life expectancy and quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis throughout Ireland, Orla Tinsley is jointly awarded the Young Person of the Year Award
2008 Ronan Hayes Joint Young Person of the Year
For his immense courage in saving the life of his sister, Ronan Hayes is the joint winner of the Young Person of the Year.
2008 Fr Shay Cullen International Person of the Year Award
For his relentless courage and commitment to protecting vulnerable children in the Philippines from abuse, cruelty and exploitation, and for giving them the opportunity to rebuild their lives with dignity, Fr Shay Cullen is the International Person of the Year
2008 Keith Duffy People of the Year Award
For his passionate commitment to the cause of children with autism, Keith Duffy receives a People of the Year Award.
2008 Rose Uí Shúilleabháin Special Award to Teacher of the Year
For her extraordinary courage and coolness in saving the life of her student, for her ability to inspire her students to maximise their individual talents and for her dedication in giving them the best start on life, Rose Uí Shúilleabháin
2008 Robert McLoughlin People of the Year Award
For his boundless enthusiasm, his energy and selfless dedication to providing light in the lives of so many people through entertainment, Robert McLoughlin receives a People of the Year Award.
2008 Nuala O'Loan People of the Year Award
For her personal integrity, courage and commitment to the highest standards of policing in the North and for her fearless pursuit of justice, regardless of the personal and political consequences, Nuala O'Loan receives a People of the Year Award
2008 Kenny Egan, Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes People of the Year Award
For their character, courage and determination and sheer hard work over many years, culminating in their success at the Beijing Olympic Games, Kenny Egan, Darren Sutherland and Paddy Barnes each receive a People of the Year Award
2008 Scouting Ireland People of the Year Award
In recognition of 100 years of activity in Ireland and thei unique contribution to the development of young people in achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential, Scouting Ireland receives a People of the Year Award
2008 Joe Dolan People of the Year Award
For his unique contribution to the development of Ireland's music scene and for all his achievements as one of our greatest-ever performers, Joe Dolan is posthumously awarded a People of the Year Award