You voted in your thousands, and though there were 15 talented Irish athletes to choose from, there could only be one winner.
Voting closed on Monday, December 22nd, and as the clock ticked down on a phenomenal year for Irish women in sport, just eleven votes separated the top two contenders as voted for by you.
But in the end, it was basketball star and Irish international Gráinne Dwyer who came top of the pile and has officially been crowned Her.ie’s 2014 Sportswoman of The Year.
Gráinne pictured celebrating with her dad Bill and sister Niamh (Pics: SPORTSFILE)
Speaking to Her.ie, the Team Montenotte Hotel player was thrilled to have been chosen.
“I’m absolutely over the moon!” she said. “I can’t believe it! There were so many fantastic athletes up for the award and Katie Taylor is my idol, I really can’t believe I’ve won!
“I’d really like to thank everyone for voting for me and for all the support over the last few weeks from everyone in work and all my friends and family. I actually can’t believe it, I’m thrilled!” she finished.
It’s been a hugely successful year for the 29-year-old player who lives and works in Cork. Not only did she scoop The Irish Times and Irish Sports Council Sportswoman of the Month in January of this year, but she was also named as the Women’s National Cup Most Valuable Player.
Gráinne with the cup. (Pics: SPORTSFILE)
These successes came off the back of her side’s double cup and league victory this year. Not only that, but Gráinne was also part of the Irish 3×3 basketball team who became the first Irish basketball team to qualify for an Olympics since 1948 when the side qualified for the European Olympic games earlier this year.
“I’m very lucky,” she stated to Her.ie earlier this year. “I get to play the game I love with so many people that I’m close to, my sister plays on the same club team as me and we have had the opportunity to play at international level together too.”
Gráinne in action against Suzanne Maguire, DCU Mercy. (Pics: SPORTSFILE)
“I have also made some of my closest friends through basketball, so there is a great mix of socialising and playing. I’ve never felt like giving up – basketball is too big a part of my life. I just love playing and I’m going to keep doing it for as long as I can. It’s been an amazing journey so far.”
