The annual Leinster Rugby Awards Ball returned with style and sentiment last night as over 500 guests gathered in UCD’s O’Reilly Hall to honour the standout performers of the 2024-25 season.
Hosted by broadcaster Joe Molloy, the black-tie gala drew players past and present to celebrate excellence across the domestic and professional game. The evening also served as a moment of reflection, with heartfelt tributes paid to retiring players and long-serving figures behind the scenes.
Linda Djougang and RG Snyman took top honours on the night, winning the Bank of Ireland Player of the Year awards for their powerful performances throughout the season.
Djougang was recognised for her pivotal role in the women’s game, while Snyman also claimed the Energia Supporters’ Player of the Year award, underlining his impact on and off the pitch.
Emerging talent was also spotlighted, with Robyn O’Connor named BearingPoint Women’s Young Player of the Year, and Sam Prendergast scooping both the LAYA Healthcare Men’s Young Player of the Year and the Irish Times Try of the Year awards.
Leinster and Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll was inducted into the Guinness Hall of Fame, acknowledging his legacy in Irish rugby.
Meanwhile, Tania Rosser was celebrated for her successful tenure as Head Coach of the Leinster Rugby Women’s team, guiding them to back-to-back interprovincial titles.
Volunteerism was also honoured, with former Leinster President Paul Deering receiving the Bank of Ireland Never Stop Competing Award for nearly five decades of service to the province.
In the club and school categories, Longford RFC and Naas RFC were named Junior and Senior Club of the Year, respectively, while St Mary’s, Edenderry, and Blackrock College earned accolades for their achievements in school rugby.
The night concluded on an emotional note as Leinster bade farewell to Cian Healy, who will retire at season’s end as the most capped player in both Leinster and Irish rugby history.
Former teammates Seán O’Brien, Paul O’Donoghue, and Eoin O’Malley joined Molloy on stage to share heartfelt memories of a player whose legacy will doubtless stand the test of time.
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