IRISH RACE WALKER Rob Heffernan was named as the Athlete of the Year at the National Athletics Awards at a ceremony last night.

The athlete, who finished fourth at this year’s Olympics in the 50k Walk, simultaneously broke his own national record with a time of 3:37.54 in London, and was also awarded the Race Walker of the Year Award for 2012.

In reaction to receiving the honour, Heffernan tweeted: “So happy to win the athlete of the year. It was great to catch up with some great people and friends last night.”

In addition, Dundrum South Dublin claimed the Performance Club of the Year Award, while Carlow club St Laurence O’Toole won the Development Club of the Year Award.

Fionnuala Britton was rewarded for winning gold at the European Cross Country Championships last December with the Endurance Athlete Award and Track and Field Athlete of the Year Award.

Meanwhile, Jason Smyth and Michael McKillop won the Special Recognition Award, following their outstanding performances at the Paralympics.

You can view the full list of award winners here.

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