Rory McIlroy praised as 'great ambassador for NI' after winning Sports Personality of the Year

Rory McIlroy has been praised in Northern Ireland after he topped off a year of successes by winning the BBC Personality of the Year award.

The 36-year-old won the 89th Masters in dramatic fashion in April to become the first European golfer to complete a career grand slam in the men's game.

The achievement cemented his position as one of the best golfers of all time.

At the Ryder Cup later in the year, he contributed three and a half points to Europe's dramatic victory over the USA.

Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn said the BBC sports accolade, which was based on votes from the public, was "truly deserved" by McIlroy.

"Many congratulations to Rory McIlroy on winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year," he said on the social media site X.

"A truly deserved honour for a great golfer and ambassador for Northern Ireland."

The First Minister of Northern Ireland, Michelle O'Neill, and deputy First Minister Emma Little Pengelly paid tribute to the golfer on his "spectacular" and "incredible" year.

"Congratulations to Rory McIlroy on winning BBC Sports Personality of the Year," Ms O'Neill said on X.

"A fitting award and an amazing way to finish off what has been an absolutely spectacular year on the course.

"Rory's achievements are inspiring our young golfers and athletes to believe in their potential and follow their dreams!"

Ms Little Pengelly said on X: "Amazing! Well done Rory after an incredible achievement this year - well deserved!"

During his acceptance speech, McIlroy thanked the public and his family.

"My family, my mum and dad, they sacrificed so much for me and I obviously wouldn't be here without them," he said, referencing the sacrifices his parents Gerry and Rosie made during the early part of his career.

"From Augusta to the Ryder Cup and everything else in between, it really has been the year that dreams are made of," he added.