Rugby hero Brian O'Driscoll was hailed by the Taoiseach on Friday night as one of Irish sport's finest ambassadors.

Brian Cowen said the player was the embodiment of courage, commitment, creativity and determination on the field.

The two Brians came face to face as the rugby star was awarded the University College Dublin (UCD) Foundation Day Medal.

"He displays precisely the characteristics we want our young people to display, whatever their field of endeavour, and has stood out as one of the finest ambassadors not only for the game of rugby but for Irish sportsmanship generally," said Mr Cowen.

O'Driscoll, a former UCD student and captain of the most successful Irish rugby team in a generation, led an unbeaten season to claim the Triple Crown, the Six Nations Championship and Grand Slam for Ireland for the first time in 61 years at Cardiff's Millennium stadium in March.

His team-mates included four other UCD players - graduate Paddy Wallace and students Rob Kearney, Gordon D'Arcy and Jamie Heaslip.

O'Driscoll said: "I am greatly honoured to receive this prestigious award from my alma mater, UCD, and to join such a distinguished group of previous recipients.

"It is fantastic to be back on campus without the burden of study, enjoying this evening, meeting people from all walks of life and catching up with old friends."

The UCD Foundation Day Medal is awarded to a graduate who demonstrates great achievement and plays a significant leadership role.

Previous recipients include author Maeve Binchy and broadcaster Micheal O'Muircheartaigh.