Munster's Tadhg Beirne named Players' Player of the Year

Aoife Dalton was named Women's Player of the Year. 

Tadhg Beirne beat competition from Caelan Doris, Jamison Gibson-Park and Tom Farrell to be named Players' Player of the Year at the Rugby Players Ireland awards. Pic: ©INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

Tadhg Beirne was named Men's XVs Players' Player of the Year at the Rugby Players Ireland awards at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday night. The Munster second row beat competition from provincial teammate Tom Farrell and Leinster duo Caelan Doris and Jamison Gibson-Park, who were also nominated. 

Berine started every game for Ireland in this Six Nations, and has featured 16 times for Munster in his first season as the province's captain. Earlier this month, his form was rewarded with a place in the Lions squad for this summer's tour of Australia, while in February he signed a new two-year extension with the IRFU and Munster. 

“I’m honoured to be named as the OCC Consulting Men’s Players’ Player of the Year," said Beirne.

"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.”

The women's award was claimed by Leinster centre Aoife Dalton. The 22-year-old from Offaly has become a key player for Ireland. Amee-Lee Costigan, Niamh O'Dowd and Dorothy Wall were the others nominated. 

“It’s a very exciting time to be involved with this group of players," said Dalton. 

"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.”

Erin King won the Women's Young Player of the Year award while Sam Prendergast took the men's equivalent. Ireland and Leinster out-half Prendergast was presented with the award by his older brother Cian, the Connacht captain, who was a previous winner in the category. 

Two scores from the Six Nations were named the tries of the year. Dan Sheehan starting and finishing off a team move against England back in February won in the men's category. Anna McGann touching down to finish what was also a team move against Italy, one which sealed her hat-trick in the game, was named Women's Try of the Year. 

Eimear Considine, who retired from rugby in November after 10 years at the top level of the women's game in Ireland, won the Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award for her contributions to mental health discourse. On behalf of the Irish men's team, Caelan Doris accepted the Moment of the Year award for Ireland's Triple Crown win in the Six Nations. 

Rugby Players Ireland Awards winners

OCC Consulting Men’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year: Tadhg Beirne; OCC Consulting Women’s XVs Players’ Player of the Year 2025: Aoife Dalton; Nevin Spence Men’s XVs Young Player of the Year: Sam Prendergast; Energia Women’s XVs Young Player of the Year: Erin King; MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s XVs Try of the Year: Dan Sheehan (v England); AIB Corporate Banking Women’s XVs Try of the Year: Anna McGann (v Italy); Tritonlake Men’s 7s Player of the Year: Dylan O’Grady; Tritonlake Women’s 7s Player of the Year: Lucinda Kinghan; Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award: Eimear Considine; Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment on the Year: Ireland’s Triple Crown Success (accepted by Caelan Doris.)