Michael McGimpsey: Paid tribute to Dame Mary

The sports minister said Dame Mary was a widely respected and much loved figure, not only in Northern Ireland but also throughout the United Kingdom and the world of athletics.

"After her wonderful performance at the Munich Olympics in 1972, Mary Peters became known as our Golden Girl and to this day, that affectionate title has stayed with her," he said.

"As well as her many outstanding achievements in her chosen sport of athletics, her contribution to the whole community over the years has been immense.

"It was her enthusiasm and sheer hard work which led to the provision of the Mary Peters' Track for budding local athletes. "

He added that Dame Mary had worked tirelessly for a number of public bodies and still found time to devote to the needs of disabled people.

"It is that selflessness which has endeared her to so many people."

Mary Peters: Honoured by new title

Speaking on Monday night, Dame Mary said she felt "very honoured and humble about" her new title.

"Everybody will always know me as Mary 'P'," she said. "But it's another title to have and it's very nice."

The province's golden girl became a dame in June in recognition of her work for athletics and the community in Northern Ireland.

She had been awarded an MBE in 1973 and a CBE in 1990.

The Lancashire-born lady, who moved to Belfast as a girl, was credited with briefly uniting the people of Northern Ireland during one of the most violent periods in its history.

Dame Mary claimed gold for Britain in the pentathlon during the 1972 Munich Olympics.