Watersport athletes secured some of the night’s top prizes as sailor Eve McMahon claimed the Rising Star award and Ireland’s leading rowers took Team of the Year at the 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards.
McMahon, an emerging force in the ILCA class, topped a strong field to take the Rising Star title, underscoring a standout season on the international circuit.
Rowers Fintan McCarthy and Philip Doyle were named Team of the Year following a series of high-level results. Judges highlighted the pair’s consistency in a fiercely competitive discipline.
More than 500 guests attended the Dublin Royal Convention Centre event, which marked a year defined by global championships, Olympic qualification pushes and key breakthrough moments. “Tonight was about recognising the people who give their all for Irish sport,” said Olympic Federation of Ireland CEO Peter Sherrard.
World Bronze Medallists in Rowing, Fintan McCarthy, right, and Philip Doyle, make their way to the stage to collect their Team of the Year Award, sponsored by Flogas, during the Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards 2025 at The Royal Convention Centre in Dublin. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile
Kate O’Connor won Female Athlete of the Year, with Rory McIlroy taking the men’s award. Dominic Casey earned Coach of the Year for his continued impact in rowing. Cycling Ireland secured High Performance Programme of the Year.
The President’s Award was presented posthumously to Maeve Kyle, Ireland’s first female Olympic athlete in athletics. IOC President Kirsty Coventry sent a message acknowledging Kyle’s legacy.
OFI President Lochlann Walsh said the standard of performance made this “one of the toughest judging processes we’ve had”.
Performances from Kabin Crew and appearances from past Olympians and youth medallists framed an evening celebrating excellence across Irish sport.
