Tadhg Beirne and Aoife Dalton were named the Men’s and Women’s Players’ Player of the Year respectively at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards, held at the Aviva Stadium last night.
Munster and Ireland forward Beirne was selected as the OCC Consulting Men’s XV’s Players’ Player of the Year for 2025, in recognition of his consistency and leadership throughout the season.
Nominated alongside Tom Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park, and Irish captain Caelan Doris, Beirne was praised by his peers as an influential figure in both provincial and national colours.
Currently in South Africa with Munster ahead of their clash with the Sharks, Beirne was absent on the night but issued a statement expressing gratitude for the recognition.
“It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant seasons,” he said. “To be chosen by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members makes this award even more meaningful.”
On the women’s side, 22-year-old Aoife Dalton received the OCC Consulting Women’s XV’s Players’ Player of the Year following a standout campaign in the Irish midfield.
With the Women’s Rugby World Cup in England approaching later this year, Dalton has quickly become a vital part of the Irish setup.
Acknowledging her teammates, Dalton said: “It’s a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players. When I first came into camp, I could sense that something was beginning to build.”
Among the other winners was Eimear Considine, who received the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award. Considine returned to international rugby this season following two ACL injuries and the birth of her son, Caolán, before announcing her retirement.
Her long-standing work in promoting mental health awareness was also highlighted, aligning with the tenth anniversary of the Tackle Your Feelings campaign.
Dan Sheehan was awarded the MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s XV’s Try of the Year for his solo effort against England, while Anna McGann claimed the AIB Corporate Banking Women’s XV’s Try of the Year for her finish against Italy in the Six Nations.
Young talent was also recognised. Sam Prendergast of Leinster was named the Nevin Spence Men’s XVs Young Player of the Year, presented by his brother and Connacht captain Cian Prendergast. Meanwhile, despite injury ruling her out of the World Cup, Erin King was voted Energia Women’s XVs Young Player of the Year by her teammates.
In the Sevens categories, Dylan O’Grady and Lucinda Kinghan were honoured as the TritonLake Men’s and Women’s 7s Players’ Player of the Year respectively.
Ireland’s Triple Crown win was awarded the Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year, with Caelan Doris accepting the prize.
Rugby Players Ireland Executive Board Member Iain Henderson said the night marked both celebration and reflection on a challenging season. CEO Simon Keogh added that peer recognition is the “ultimate mark of respect,” celebrating both on-field excellence and off-field influence.
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The selection by your peers for a Player of the Year Award is always seen as incredibly special. The one for Eimear Considine was also notable marking the tenth anniversary of the Tackle Your Feelings Campaign.
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