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Snubbed McIlroy is pride of Northern Ireland, at least

Rory McIlroy finished second in the national award behind Lewis Hamilton © PA Photos

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Rory McIlroy might have missed out on the BBC's Sports Personality of the Year award, but he has at least been recognised as the pride of Northern Ireland.

Despite being beaten to the national award by Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton, McIlroy picked up the consolation prize of BBC Northern Ireland's Sports Personality of 2014.

Golf's World No.1, who this year lifted the Open Championship, PGA Championship and Ryder Cup trophies, was deemed more deserving than boxer Carl Frampton and Paralympic skier Kelly Gallagher, who were second and third respectively.

"The support I get from Northern Ireland means a lot," McIlroy said. "I try to keep my connection with Northern Ireland as much as I can even though I am not there quite as much as I used to be.

"I have tremendous support from people back home. Thank you for this award."

It remains to be seen if the boxing fraternity turn out for Frampton in quite the same way as the golfing lobby did for McIlroy after he was pipped by Hamilton.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd