Smyth won the 100 and 200 metres in the T13 category while McKillop took gold in the 800m and 1500m in the T37 at London 2012 and both were honoured during the awards at Belfast City Hall. 

Smyth is from Derry and McKillop from Ballymena in Northern Ireland, although both compete for the Republic of Ireland.

"It was nice to win the award," said Smyth.

"Michael and I were sat beside each other and we discussed the shortlist.

"We both agreed that anyone could win it.

"That said it was nice to hear my name called out at all.

"The event ceremony was an opportunity to look back at the season.

"It does take you back because they play a few videos of your races.

"It is very enjoyable from that aspect."

Jason Smyth celebrates winning the gold medal in the T13 100m at London 2012

But Smyth has already resumed training for Rio 2016, where he will be seeking to win the sprint double for a third consecutive Paralympics, having also completed the 100m-200m double at Beijing 2008.

"I'm kept busy planning the new season," he said.

"It really is a case of back to the reality of training after the highs of the previous few months."

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