IRELAND’S PAUL MCGINLEY was tonight awarded Coach of the Year at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year awards.
McGinley claimed the honour on the back of his meticulously-planned Ryder Cup campaign. Under McGinley’s guidance Europe defeated the United States by 16 1/2 points to 11 1/2.
In typical fashion, McGinley was moved to thank various people who contributed to his success rather than accept the acclaim for himself.
“I need to thank the people of Scotland,” he said while collecting the award.
“Your support was huge. I had 12 great players, 12 great personalities and a great backroom team and vice captains.”
Though he did open by saying he was “very, very honoured.”
In the main award of the night, Rory McIlroy was pipped to Sports Personality of the Year by Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton. Athlete Jo Pavey came in in third position.
