29-05-2025
In Pics: Top talent honoured at Rugby Players Ireland awards
Tadgh Beirne and Aoife Dalton have been announced as the Rugby Players of Ireland (RPI)'s Players' Players of the Year.
Tadgh, who was unable to make the ceremony as he's training for the URC quarter final in South Africa, said it was an honour to be named among his peers, and beating out province teammate Tom Farrell, as well as Caelan Doris and Jamison Gibson-Park.
'I'm honoured to be named. It comes as quite a surprise given that Caelan, Tom and Jamison have all had brilliant season,' Tadgh said, adding that being awarded the gong by his peers 'makes this award even more meaningful and I really appreciate their support and acknowledgment.' Tadhg Beirne speaks via video link after receiving the award. Pic: INPHO/Andrew Conan
Also taking home the women's Players Player of the year was Aoife Dalton, who impressed in the Six Nations with seven tries and becoming a vital part of the Irish women's rugby team ahead of the World Cup, which will take place in England this year.
'It's a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players,' the 22-year-old midfielder said. '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.' Aoife Dalton with her award. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Eimear Considine also won big at the awards, being presented with the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award — with her being selected as an acknowledgement of her sporting legacy and longstanding contribution to mental wellbeing discourse in Ireland.
As well as this, she had a season to remember when she returned to the pitch following two ACL injuries and the birth of her son Caolán. Eimear Considine with her award. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
Dan Sheehan, who also returned from an ACL injury during the Six Nations earlier this year, picked up Men's Try of the Year for his try against England in the Six Nations, while Anna McGann's try against Italy picked up Women's Try of the Year.
Leinster out-half Sam Prendergast won Men's Young Player of the Year, with previous young player of the year winner Cian Prendergast being on hand to present the award to his younger brother.
Erin King won the Women's XV Young Player of the Year, while Dylan O'Grady was named the Men's Sevens Players' Player of the Year. Lucinda Kinghan won the Women's Sevens Players' Player of the Year, while the Triple Crown win for the men's Six Nations team won Moment of the Year. Caelan Doris. Pic: INPHO/Andrew Conan Billy Dardis and Deirdre Lyons. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Mark and Fiona Fennell. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Niamh O'Callaghan and Emma O'Brien. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Molly Moran and Niamh Devlin. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Tom and Amy Brownes. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Edel Broderick and Anne McDermott. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Ruth Campbell, Eimear Considine and Dorothy Wall. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Emma McHale and Lynne Fenton. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Mary and Devin Toner. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Patrick and Sandra Hickey-Dwyer. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Joshua Gleeson Halpin, Mark Roche and Jennifer Gleeson. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Bryan Mollen and Aoife Doyle. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Christina Mahon. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Christina Mahon and Elma Beirne. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Orla Gildea, Nicole Sullivan and Ashley Sweetman. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Richard and Fiona McElwe. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Lucinda Kingham, Kate Farrell McCabe, Megan Burns and Alanna Fitzpatrick. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Dorothy Wall (centre) with her parents Sophie and Anthony. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Conor and Emily Lestrange. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Ben Horgan and Michelle Power. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Guests at the event. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Judy and Gary Mullane. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Angela Hayes and Cathal Quinn. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Elaine Ryan and Greg Pippett. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Paul and Sarah Merriman. Pic: Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Ryan and Michaela Andrews. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Elma Beirne and Aoife Clarke. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Ireland women's rugby players. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo Ireland women's rugby players. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo
