World Champ Lizzie Armitstead shortlisted for BBC Sports Personality of the

Lucy Bronze – Manchester City and England footballer who helped her country to third place at the World Cup.

Last year, Armitstead was in Letterkenny with Philip where participated in an informal question and answer session in An Grianan Theatre before joining cycling enthusiasts for a spin around the town and surrounding countryside.

On Monday night, the dozen contenders for the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year title were named.

Murray’s heroics in Great Britain’s historic Davis Cup victory in tennis and Fury’s points win over Wladimir Klitschko to become boxing’s heavyweight champion of the world have seen the pair included on a 12-strong list – two more than usual.

Froome, 30, meanwhile, became the first British rider to win the Tour de France twice.

It has been another memorable year for the 20-year-old Uttoxeter star, who claimed three golds at the World Championships in Russian Federation and holds the world record for the 50m and 100m breaststroke.

Last year’s victor of the BBC award, Lewis Hamilton, is also shortlisted again after successfully defending his Formula One world champion title, his third drivers’ championship in all.

No gymnast has ever won Sports Personality of the Year but Max Whitlock – Britain’s first ever male gold medal-winner at the world championships – is recognised for winning in the pommel horse at Glasgow and for his silvers on the floor and with the team.

Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill is also featured, having won gold at the World Athletics Championships in her comeback year following the birth of her son.