Cian Lynch nominated for RTE Sportsperson of the Year Award

Limerick’s hurling superstar makes the shortlist of eight, that includes six women.

Hurler of the Year elect Cian Lynch has been shortlisted for the 2021 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year award after a stellar season in the green of Limerick.

Rachael Blackmore, Kellie Harrington, Ellen Keane, Leona Maguire, Jason Smyth, Katie Taylor and Vikki Wall alongside Lynch complete the shortlist for the award which will be announced live on RTÉ One on Saturday, 18 December.

In August, Lynch and co claimed their third All-Ireland title in four year after destroying Cork in the decider.

Lynch is heavy favourite to win his second HOTY gong at tonight’s 2021 All-Stars awards. Lynch was also nominated for the Sportsperson of the Year award in 2018 after being named player of the year.

2020 and double winner Katie Taylor is once again nominated beside fellow Olympic Gold medallist Kellie Harrington. Taylor twice defended her undisputed lightweight world championship while Harrington won gold in that weight at the Tokyo Games.

Rachel Blackmore became the first women jockey to win the Aintree Grand National under Minella Times and was also the first female to be crowned ‘top jockey’ at Cheltenham.

Ellen Keane won her first gold medal and Ireland’s first of the Paralympic Games in the SB8 100m breaststroke in Tokyo.

After moving up 130 places in the world rankings and helping team Europe at the Solheim Cup in her rookie year, Leona Maguire is shortlisted.

Jason Smyth won gold at a fourth successive Paralympic Games, collecting his sixth overall gold, winning the T13 100m sprint in Tokyo.

After helping Meath to their first ever All-Ireland senior title, Vikki Wall was named Senior Players’ Player of the Year.

2021 RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year Shortlist

Cian Lynch

Rachel Blackmore

Kellie Harrington

Ellen Keane

Leona Maguire

Jason Smyth

Katie Taylor

Vikki Wall