Tony Leen, Irish Examiner Sports Editor commenting on the awards today said, "Seeing sportspeople on the cusp of the big breakthrough is always a thrill, and the graduates from this particular programme are evidence enough of that.  For our part, there's a pride in spotting tomorrow's stars today. Sometimes it's easy to see the prodigy who'll dominate the headlines for years to come. Others have that indefinable something; it's raw, or unpolished, but it's there, and the adult career vindicates the faith our judges showed." 

Sir Alex Ferguson, guest speaker at the event said, "I have always been of the belief that if you encourage youth in sport, you will be rewarded on the double. These awards are not only a signpost to the next generation of sports stars from this country, they are also a timely fillip for the teenagers themselves. Even the most successful young sportsperson requires reassurance at times." 

Rory McIlroy was one of last year's winners and has since joined the European Tour and won the top amateur prize at the British Open.   Other former winners include such luminaries of Irish sporting achievement as Roy Keane, Sonia O'Sullivan, Seán Óg Ó hAilpín, Bernard Dunne, Gordon D'Arcy, Damien Duff and Ruby Walsh.