RORY MCILROY WILL have to clear a spot on his mantelpiece to make room for the 2011 RTÉ Sports Person of the Year award.

The 22-year-old won the top prize at last night’s annual awards ceremony, capping a unforgettable season in which he celebrated his first Major title at the US Open and racked up over €5 million in prize money.

McIlroy topped a nine-man shortlist, beating fellow nominees Darren Clarke, Katie Taylor, Michael Fennelly, Alan Brogan, Sean O’Brien, John Joe Nevin, Kevin O’Brien and Robbie Keane to the prize.

Heineken Cup champions Leinster were crowned RTÉ Sports Team of the Year while Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni picked up another Manager of the Year gong for his own trophy cabinet.

Jack Kyle, part of Ireland’s Grand Slam winning rugby team in 1948, was presented with this year’s Hall of Fame Award by Brian O’Driscoll.

The award winners were selected by a team of Donnybrook sports journalists, editorial staff and broadcasters.