The Olympic Federation of Ireland has announced the shortlists for the 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards, a landmark celebration of the performances, moments, and achievements that have defined another exceptional year for Irish Olympic sport.
The awards ceremony will take place on 6 December at a gala event bringing together athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the Olympic community, with ten award winners to be revealed on the night.
This year’s contenders reflect a golden era for Irish sport. In 2025 alone, Irish athletes secured more than 70 medals across world and European competitions, including over 20 senior world podium finishes, alongside a host of national records and personal bests. The shortlists feature household names and breakthrough talents whose performances have captured the public imagination and brought pride to Irish sport.
Among those in contention for Female Athlete of the Year, sponsored by Allianz, are boxer Aoife O’Rourke, rower Fiona Murtagh, heptathlete Kate O’Connor, and cyclist Lara Gillespie. The Male Athlete of the Year shortlist features cyclist Ben Healy, athlete Cian McPhillips, Olympic champion Fintan McCarthy, and golfer Rory McIlroy.
The Rising Star category, sponsored by Sport Ireland, highlights the next generation with nominees Eve McMahon (sailing), John Shortt (swimming), and Patsy Joyce (boxing).
The Team of the Year, supported by Flogas, will be chosen from McCarthy and Philip Doyle in rowing, Ireland’s Senior Eventing Team, and the Men’s 3×3 Basketball Team.
In the coaching ranks, the Coach of the Year shortlist, sponsored by Key Patent Innovations, recognises Dominic Casey (rowing), John Szaranek (swimming), and Michael O’Connor (athletics) for their leadership in driving Irish athletes to international success.
Some of the defining images of the sporting year feature in the Olympic Sporting Moment of the Year, sponsored by Fiat, including Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph, Ben Healy’s yellow jersey at the Tour de France, and Kate O’Connor’s World Championships silver medal.
Other categories include High Performance Programme of the Year (Cycling Ireland, Rowing Ireland, and Swim Ireland), Creator of the Year (Ayeisha McFerran & Unboxed; Daniel and Nathan Wiffen’s Vlog; Rhys McClenaghan), and the Community Impact Award, sponsored by SPAR/EUROSPAR, celebrating initiatives such as Rhys McClenaghan’s Club Tour, Inbhear Dee Athletics Club’s community leadership, and the Cricket Connects Summer Camp.
The President’s Award will be presented at the discretion of OFI President Lochlann Walsh, recognising an exceptional contribution or service to Irish Olympic sport.
The centrepiece of this year’s ceremony will again be the Olympic Sport Award Trophy, affectionately known as the Olly. Inspired by the Olympic torch, it symbolises excellence, resilience, and national pride — its three steel panels representing the Olympic values of Excellence, Friendship, and Respect.
“Irish athletes are consistently achieving phenomenal results on the world stage – winning medals, breaking records, and inspiring the nation,” said Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland. “But behind every great performance lies years of dedication, sacrifice, and the tireless work of coaches, performance teams, and communities. These awards, and our new trophy, the Olly, are about recognising that collective effort and celebrating the people who represent the very best of us.”
Public voting is now open for several categories until 14 November, allowing fans to help decide who will take home the honours.
The Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards 2025 will celebrate #TheBestOfUs — those who push boundaries, break records, and inspire pride across the nation.
Image Credit: Olympic Federation of Ireland
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Olympic Sport
SPORT FOR BUSINESS Upcoming Events
November 20th – Playing for the Planet – A new event focused on Sustainability in Sport with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
December 9th – Our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference in partnership with Lidl.
January – The Sporting Year Ahead 2026 in partnership with Teneo.
Sport for Business Podcasts
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
The Olympic Federation of Ireland and Allianz, as well as over 40 National Governing Bodies of Sport in Ireland, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport, are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
