Everyday heroes were honoured alongside sporting heroes last night.

The Rehab People of the Year Awards saw Robbie Keane named International Person of the Year while Paul and Gary O’Donovan and Annalise Murphy scooped Sports Person of the Year.

Alan Herdman received a Young Person of the Year Award after he saved the lives of eight young children who nearly drowned in Galway in July.

Alan describes how it felt to win the award: “I really don’t even know how to put it into words.

“The word honoured is how I would sum it up just to be even considered along with the other people who have been nominated.

“They have done some fantastic things which would really restore your faith in humanity after hearing some of those stories.

“I am honoured and thrilled to have received this award.”