Aoife Dalton was named the OCC Consulting Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year following a hugely impactful campaign in the Irish midfield across 2024/25. At just 22, Dalton has already been established as a key figure in an Irish dressing room that is set to up the ante ahead of the Rugby World Cup in England later this year.
Speaking as she claimed the Players’ Player award, Dalton said: “It’s a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players. To be recognised by them at such a crucial time for this team is hard to put into words. When I first came into camp, I could sense that something was beginning to build and I think we have started to see the fruits of that over recent months both collectively and individually, through the performances of my fellow nominees Amee-Leigh, Niamh and Dorothy.”
Anna McGann was the winner of the AIB Corporate Banking Women’s XVs Try of the Year for finishing off a sweeping team effort against Italy in the Six Nations.
Having made a try-scoring return to international action following two ACL injuries and the birth of her son Caolán, Eimear Considine announced her retirement during the season. To mark both her Irish sporting legacy and longstanding contribution to mental wellbeing discourse in Ireland, Considine was presented with the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award as Tackle Your Feelings kicked off its ten-year anniversary celebrations.
Having been ruled out of the Rugby World Cup later this year, Erin King was given a morale boost by her teammates who voted her as their Energia Women’s XVs Young Player of the Year. It follows her World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year last November.
Ireland women’s rugby 7s squad was also recognised on the night, with Lucinda Kinghan being awarded the TritonLake Women’s 7s Players’ Player of the Year.
Rugby Players Ireland Executive Board Member, Iain Henderson said: “While this season has brought its share of challenges both on and off the field, it’s also been a year marked by plenty of individual standout achievements across the game. It’s important that we celebrate them and use this as an opportunity to look ahead with real optimism. There’s still work to do, but through the support of Rugby Players Ireland, the steps being taken show a collective commitment to moving the game forward.”
Simon Keogh, CEO of Rugby Players Ireland added: “A Rugby Players Ireland Award represents the highest individual accolade a player can receive in our game. To be named by your peers in this way is the ultimate mark of respect. My congratulations to all of our winners tonight. At Rugby Players Ireland, we work to ensure players’ voices and efforts are recognised and supported. These awards celebrate not only talent but the influence and standards set behind the scenes that help to drive our game forward.”