Ireland’s top athletes swapped tracksuits for evening wear on Saturday night as the Olympic Federation of Ireland hosted the 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards, honouring an exceptional year marked by record performances, breakthrough moments and powerful displays creating real national pride.
More than 500 guests filled the Dublin Royal Convention Centre for a night that blended celebration with reflection, featuring performances from Cork’s Kabin Crew Rap team—of “Dare to Believe” fame—and appearances by Ireland’s Sydney Olympians, European Youth Olympic Festival medallists, and athletes preparing for next year’s Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina.
Across 2025, Irish athletes have delivered results of unprecedented breadth, from global championship podiums to Olympic qualification milestones. The award, each represented by the Olly, a trophy inspired by the Olympic torch, was determined by a judging panel and strong public input, and some of the most competitive shortlists in recent memory.
The evening opened with a stirring spoken-word performance by poet Stephen James Smith, whose piece From Torch to Tally paid tribute to generations of Irish Olympians and set the tone for a night of pride, emotion and ambition.
One of the night’s most poignant moments came with the presentation of the President’s Award to Maeve Kyle, honoured posthumously as a trailblazer for Irish women in sport. Kyle, Ireland’s first female Olympian in athletics, inspired countless athletes who followed in her footsteps.
A message from International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry underscored Kyle’s historic impact.
Among the headline honours, Kate O’Connor claimed Female Athlete of the Year, capping a season defined by her World Championships silver medal, an achievement also named Olympic Sporting Moment of the Year.
On the men’s side, golf icon Rory McIlroy secured Male Athlete of the Year, recognised not only for his Masters triumph but for a season of consistent excellence.
Sailing star Eve McMahon continued her upward trajectory by winning the Rising Star Award, while the rowing pair of Fintan McCarthy and Philip Doyle were named Team of the Year after their standout performances on the world stage.
Rowing’s influence on the evening continued as legendary coach Dominic Casey collected Coach of the Year.
The strength of Ireland’s performance pathways was also acknowledged, with Cycling Ireland earning High Performance Programme of the Year, reflecting a season of results across elite and developmental levels.
In a nod to the growing importance of digital engagement in sport, world champion gymnast Rhys McClenaghan picked up Creator of the Year.
Community heroes were celebrated too, with Inbhear Dee AC’s Noreen O’Reilly, Eithne Walsh and Anne-Marie Kelly receiving the Community Impact Award for their grassroots leadership.
Speaking after the ceremony, OFI CEO Peter Sherrard emphasised the year-round commitment behind Ireland’s success. “Our athletes don’t show up once every four years. They train, compete and represent Ireland all year round. The Olly celebrates not just the result, but the commitment and excellence behind it.”
OFI President Lochlann Walsh highlighted the depth of talent across the categories: “This has been a massive year for Irish sport. Every winner, and every nominee, represents the very best of Irish sport.”
Award Winners
Female Athlete of the Year, sponsored by Allianz
Winner: Kate O’Connor (Athletics)
Runner Up: Aoife O’Rourke (Boxing), Fiona Murtagh (Rowing), Lara Gillespie (Cycling)
Male Athlete of the Year, sponsored by Allianz
Winner: Rory McIlroy (Golf)
Runner Up: Ben Healy (Cycling), Cian McPhillips (Athletics), Fintan McCarthy (Rowing)
Rising Star, sponsored by Sport Ireland
Winner: Eve McMahon (Sailing)
Runner Up: John Shortt (Swimming), Patsy Joyce (Boxing)
Team of the Year, sponsored by Flogas
Winner: Fintan McCarthy & Philip Doyle (Rowing)
Runner Up: Senior Eventing Team (Equestrian), Men’s 3×3 Basketball Team
Coach of the Year, sponsored by Key Patent Innovations
Winner: Dominic Casey (Rowing)
Runner Up: John Szaranek (Swimming), Michael O’Connor (Athletics)
Olympic Sporting Moment of the Year, sponsored by Fiat
Winner: Kate O’Connor’s World Championships silver medal
Runner Up: Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph; Ben Healy in the yellow jersey at the Tour de France
High Performance Programme of the Year, sponsored by Deloitte
Winner: Cycling Ireland
Runner Up: Rowing Ireland; Swim Ireland
Creator of the Year, sponsored by McKeever Sports
Winner: Rhys McClenaghan
Runner Up: Ayeisha McFerran & Unboxed; Daniel & Nathan Wiffen’s Vlog
Community Impact Award, sponsored by SPAR/EUROSPAR
Winner: Inbhear Dee Athletics Club’s Noreen O’Reilly, Eithne Walsh and Anne-Marie Kelly
Runner Up: Rhys McClenaghan’s Club Tour; Cricket Connects Summer Camp
President’s Award, presented by OFI President Lochlann Walsh
Recipient: Maeve Kyle
Image Credit: Sport for Business
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