Niall Carson Niall Carson

TÁNAISTE JOAN BURTON has been named the Irish Tatler Woman of the Year 2014.

The 14th annual awards were announced at a ceremony at the Four Seasons Hotel yesterday.

Tatler said the Tánaiste has played a key role in Irish politics since 1992 as well as being the first woman in Ireland to become a qualified chartered accountant, the first female finance spokesperson of a major Irish political party and the first person to be elected to the 31st Dáil.

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Philomena Lee was given a Special Achievement Award by Irish Tatler for her bravery during her 50-year search for her son after a forced adoption. Lee’s incredible story inspired the recent movie Philomena which received an overwhelming reaction and her fight resulted in the launch of the Philomena Project.

A very glamorous Miss Panti also scooped up the Special Contribution Award for her passionate ‘Noble Call’ speech in the Abbey Theatre this year:

Other winners include:

• Joanne O’Riordan, honoured for her role as an advocate for the rights of the disabled;
• Caroline Keeling, CEO of Keeling’s Fruit, for expanding the family business and taking part in the Focus Ireland sleep rough night to raise funds for the homeless;
• Camogie player and footballer Briege Corkery, for her skill, passion and dedication to sport.

Read: Give adopted people their records, says the real Philomena>