Kate O’Connor has been named Athlete of the Year at the 123.ie National Athletics Awards, held yesterday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Santry.
The honour caps a historic season in which O’Connor claimed silver in the heptathlon at the World Championships in Tokyo, gold at the World University Games, and medals at both the World and European Indoor Championships.
She twice broke her own national records in the heptathlon and pentathlon, finishing 2025 as Europe’s top-ranked athlete and the world’s number two.
O’Connor also secured the Field & Multi Event Athlete of the Year Award, emerging from an exceptional shortlist that included Diarmuid O’Connor, Niamh Fogarty, Eric Favors, and Reece Ademola.
Fionnuala McCormack was named Endurance Athlete of the Year following a standout year highlighted by a top-ten finish in the marathon at the World Championships in Tokyo and a personal best of 2:23:46 in Valencia—just 23 seconds shy of the Irish record.
Conor Kelly was crowned Under 20 Athlete of the Year after winning gold in the 400m at the European U20 Championships and breaking the national U20 record three times during a breakthrough season. Nicola Tuthill took the Under 23 Athlete of the Year Award following her medal-winning performances at the World University Games and European U23 Championships, alongside double national record-breaking throws in the hammer.
Cian McPhillips earned Track Athlete of the Year after a historic fourth-place finish in the 800m at the World Championships in Tokyo, setting new Irish records in both the semi-final and final and becoming the first Irish man to break 1:43.
The Men’s 4x100m relay squad of Michael Farrelly, Sean Aigboboh, Marcus Lawler, Israel Olatunde, and Bori Akinola collected the Team of the Year Award, having twice broken the national record within a week—including a 38.88 performance at the European Team Championships.
Derval O’Rourke was inducted into the Irish Athletics Hall of Fame. O’Rourke’s international breakthrough began in 2003 when she ran 12.96 for fourth place at the European U23 Championships—breaking the national record and securing qualification for the 2004 Olympics. She went on to compete at three Olympic Games and claim World Indoor gold in the 60m hurdles in 2006, cementing her legacy as one of Ireland’s greatest athletes.
The awards also recognised the backbone of Irish athletics: its volunteer and coaching community. The Lifetime Services to Athletics Award went to Cyril Smyth, while Declan Curtin was named Official of the Year. The Special Recognition Award was presented to Dick Hooper, and Joe Doonan received the Services to Coaching accolade.
The ceremony also marked the 40th anniversary of Ireland’s world-record 4×1 mile relay (15:49.08) set in August 1985. Team member Eamonn Coghlan accepted a commemorative gift on behalf of the legendary quartet that also featured Ray Flynn, Frank O’Mara, and Marcus O’Sullivan.
World Para Athletics champions Greta Streimikyte and Orla Comerford were also honoured following their gold medal-winning seasons in India earlier this year.
“As a proud sponsor of Athletics Ireland, we at 123.ie are thrilled to share a mutual passion for this sport and to be part of driving the future of Irish athletics,” said Gavin Macklin, Director of 123.ie. “Athletics is at the heart of communities, with over 75,000 members now representing every county, every age, and every background. Our philosophy is simple—we believe in better—and that spirit is alive in every athlete who trains before dawn, balances work or study, comes back from injury, or inspires the next generation in clubs across the country. Our partnership is not just a sponsorship; it is an investment in people, in pathways from grassroots to global success, and in the belief that Irish athletes don’t just belong on the world stage—they belong at the front of the pack.”
Hamish Adams, CEO of Athletics Ireland, said the 2025 season underlined how the sport continues to build year on year. “This is my favourite event of the year, and 2025 has been another very special year for us,” he said. “We have seen record membership, now over 75,000 people, a record medal haul across more than 20 international podiums, inspiring marketing and engagement, and fantastic competitions. But most importantly, we have excellent people working with respect, integrity, and excellence at every level of the sport. From inspirational performances by our athletes to the millions of participation opportunities created in schools and our 370 clubs, athletics is making an exceptional contribution to the well-being of our nation. Our vision is simple—we want athletics and movement to be a daily topic of conversation in every Irish home, and we are making real progress towards that.”
Brid Golden, President of Athletics Ireland, said the awards capture a year that will “long linger in memories” for Irish athletics. “This afternoon, we come together to celebrate an outstanding and memorable year for our athletes, our clubs, our coaches, our schools and universities, and to honour those whose lifelong contributions have shaped the sport we cherish,” she said. “In the last 12 months we have returned home with medals from every single championship—from underage through to Masters—and our senior athletes have represented Ireland with pride, distinction, and success on the grandest stages. Behind every medal and every breakthrough performance lies the tireless support of clubs, coaches, support teams, volunteers, staff, and sponsors. Today is as much about them as it is about the athletes on stage. As we look ahead to a new year that will include the European Championships in Birmingham, we do so with confidence, knowing that our achievements are, and always will be, a collective effort.”
Minister of State Charlie McConalogue said the awards reflected “a truly exceptional year for Irish athletics,” praising both the athletes and the vast network that supports them. “Occasions like this afford us the opportunity to reward and recognise our special athletes who, through hard work, dedication and a tremendous amount of talent, have placed themselves at the vanguard of their disciplines,” he said. “From the World Championships in Tokyo, where Kate O’Connor’s historic heptathlon silver and Cian McPhillips’ breakthrough fourth place in the 800m were standout moments, to further medals at the World Indoors, European Indoors, and across the U20 and U23 Championships, it has been a remarkable year for all of you, and for Irish athletics as a whole.”
He emphasised the breadth of the support structure behind every success. “The potential for success at all levels would not be possible without coaches, volunteers, nutritionists, psychologists, funding partners, friends, families, and the many moving parts that guide each athlete’s journey,” said McConalogue. “These awards are centred on the athletes, but it is important that we show appreciation for everyone across the spectrum who makes competition possible.”
He also highlighted the importance of sustained investment. “Government has invested over €1 billion in sports infrastructure and development since 2018, and Athletics Ireland’s increased core and high-performance funding for 2025 reflects our commitment to continuing that support,” he said. “Partnerships like that with 123.ie also enhance the landscape and encourage participation at every level.”
Closing his remarks, McConalogue said: “Today is about celebrating where we have come from, and looking with excitement to where we are going. I want to congratulate each and every one of you for all that you have delivered this past year, and for the opportunities you are creating in communities across the country. It is a great honour to be with you on this special day.”
Image Credits: Atletics Ireland, Sam Barnes, Sportsfile
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