5 days ago
Munster star ‘surprised' to overcome Leinster rivals to be named Irish rugby men's player's player of the year
TADHG Beirne
was recognised by his fellow players as the OCC Consulting Men's XVs Players' Player of the Year 2025.
He was up against clubmate Tom Farrell as well as provincial rivals Jamison Gibson-Park
and Caelan Doris to win the award.
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There were plenty of options for the award from the triple crown winning team
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Tadhg Beirne was deservedly voted the winner
The Munster second-row commented 'I'm honoured to be named as the OCC Consulting Men's Players' Player of the Year.
"It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant seasons.
"To be chosen by my fellow Rugby Players Ireland members makes this award even more meaningful, and I really appreciate their support and acknowledgement.'
Beirne was a stalwart in the Irish team and a crucial part to the
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The lock played all but 10 minutes of the campaign scoring a crucial try against
Tom Farrell was an unexpected addition to the nominations list, having not been selected for Simon Easterby's side this season.
The centre had an impressive debut season with Munster, starting in all their Champions Cup and URC games and scoring 10 tries, including a hat-trick
It came as no surprise that Ireland out-half Sam Prendergast was named as the Nevin Spence Men's XVs Young Player of the Year.
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The 2022 winner of the award and also brother of Sam, Cian Prendergast presented the award to his younger brother.
Dan Sheehan came away with the MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men's XVs Try of the Year for his unbelievable effort off the bench against England.
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The try which saw Sheehan start, continue and finish the move started with a line break pass to Jack Conan which then led to Sheehan again picking out James Lowe with a long pass before receiving the ball back off Lowe, fighting off two players and getting to the line.
There was more good news for Leinster as Aoife Dalton won OCC Consulting Women's XVs Players' Player of the Year, Erin King was named Energia Women's XVs Young Player of the Yearand Anna McGann was the winner of the AIB Corporate Banking Women's XVs Try of the Year
Upon collecting the award Aoife 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.'
Dylan O'Grady who was named as the possibly last ever TritonLake Men's 7s Players' Player of the Year and Lucinda Kinghan was named the TritonLake Women's 7s Players' Player of the Year.
Rugby Players Ireland Executive Board Member and Ulster lock 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.'
