Anita McCluskey, whose sister Claire was killed in the tragedy, was honoured for her work in setting up a bereavement counselling group with fellow students at the 32nd annual ESB/Rehab People of the Year awards in Dublin last night.

Comedian Tommy Tiernan was named Ireland's Funniest Person while the Irish Person of the Year award was collectively awarded to the Munster rugby squad for their "immense skill, determination and sheer will to win, " in finally capturing the Heineken European Cup this year.

The International award went to Kerry mother Mags Riordan for her life-saving work in Malawi, where her son Billy was killed in a drowning accident. Actor James Nesbitt was honoured for his efforts to help Northern Ireland's WAVE charity overcome its financial difficulties. Other awards also went to Galway GAA star Alan Kerins for his work with Aids victims in Zambia and Metro Eireann editor Chinedu Onyejelem for his role in promoting cross-cultural understanding in Ireland.