Stuart McCloskey and Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald were recognised by their peers as the top performers in Irish rugby this season at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards held last night at the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road.
Stuart McCloskey claimed the OCC Consulting Men’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year award following a standout campaign for both Ulster Rugby and Ireland. The 33-year-old centre was a central figure throughout Ireland’s Triple Crown-winning season and edged out fellow nominees Jamison Gibson-Park, Dan Sheehan and last year’s winner Tadhg Beirne.
Speaking after receiving the award, McCloskey admitted the recognition had come as a surprise after a season in which he re-established himself among the leading figures in Irish rugby.
“I’m not sure there’s any world in which I would have imagined myself receiving this award this time last year,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed this season and having the opportunity to test myself against the very best in the game. I’m also honoured to share the field with many great players, and to have this acknowledgement from them is very special.”
In the women’s category, Cliodhna Moloney-MacDonald was named OCC Consulting Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year ahead of fellow internationals Eve Higgins and Brittany Hogan.
One of the longest-serving members of the Ireland setup, Moloney-MacDonald earned her 50th international cap during this year’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations. Having returned to the national squad in 2024 following a three-year absence, she has become an experienced leader within an emerging Ireland side that continues to drive record attendances and growing visibility for the women’s game.
“It feels like I’ve had two different careers with Ireland,” she said. “It hasn’t been an easy road at times, but the team is now in a great place and well-positioned to become a real force at the top of the women’s game. I’m proud to have played my part over the years and while award feels like a full circle moment, I know there is plenty of road in the journey to go.”
Despite two European finals looming this weekend, many of Ireland’s leading rugby players attended the ceremony, hosted by Barry Murphy and Andrew Trimble, to celebrate achievements across the professional game.
Retiring Connacht Rugby out-half Jack Carty received the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award in recognition of his advocacy and community engagement work, including his involvement with Tackle Your Feelings and other charitable initiatives. He was also acknowledged for his preparation for life after rugby through his business ventures, Cognitive Blends and Project Padel.
The MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s XVs Try of the Year award went to Rob Baloucoune of Ulster Rugby, while Eve Higgins added to her evening by winning the AIB Women’s XVs Try of the Year for her breakaway score during Ireland’s World Cup campaign.
Robyn O’Connor collected the Energia Women’s XVs Young Player of the Year award following a breakthrough season that included a try-scoring Ireland debut, while Bryn Ward of Ulster Rugby was named Nevin Spence Men’s XVs Young Player of the Year.
Other honours saw Megan Burns recognised as Triton Lake Women’s 7s Player of the Year, while Ireland’s Triple Crown campaign was named the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year. McCloskey’s dramatic chase-down tackle against England was highlighted as one of the defining moments of the season.
Rugby Players Ireland CEO Simon Keogh said the achievements of the season deserved significant recognition across the game.
“It may not be a season that immediately stands out in the public consciousness, but when you step back and look at what was achieved, there is a huge amount to be proud of,” he said.
“Ireland came within touching distance of a Men’s Six Nations title, broke attendance records in the women’s game, and now has two provinces preparing for European finals this weekend. To consistently reach those standards, an enormous amount of work takes place behind the scenes. That is what makes these awards so meaningful. To be recognised by your peers remains one of the highest honours in the game.”
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Image Credit: Rugby Players Ireland and Inpho.ie
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