Irish Eventing team named runners-up at Olympic Sports Awards


After a fantastic season which saw them win the silver medal at the FEI European Championships. the Irish Eventing team have been named as runners-up in the Team Of The Year category by the Olympic Federation of Ireland at the 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards. The Team Of The Year title was awarded to Rowing World Championship bronze medal winning duo Fintan McCarthy & Philip Doyle, with the Irish Evening team sharing runner-up spot with Ireland’s Men’s 3×3 Basketball Team.

Irish Eventing team manager Dag Albert, far left, with the Eventing Team members and nominees for Team of the Year, sponsored by Flogas, from left, Padraig McCarthy, Aoife Clark, Ian Cassells and Robbie Kearns during the Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards 2025 at The Royal Convention Centre in Dublin. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

In a year of extraordinary results across multiple sports, the awards highlighted the importance of recognising athletes’ achievements, especially in a year of global championships, Olympic qualification battles, and standout moments on the world stage.

Each winner received the Olly, the Olympic Sport Award Trophy, inspired by the Olympic torch. The judging panel, along with strong input from the public, faced particularly tough decisions this year given the breadth and depth of performances across Irish sport.

This year’s prestigious President’s Awards was awarded posthumously to Maeve Kyle, who passed away earlier this year. Kyle was the first woman to represent Ireland in the sport of Athletics and went on to inspire and guide many women who followed in her footsteps. The night was marked with a message from the President of the IOC, Kirsty Coventry, who acknowledged the achievements of the pioneer of Irish women’s sport.

2025 TEAM IRELAND OLYMPIC SPORT AWARD WINNERS

Female Athlete of the Year, sponsored by Allianz
Winner: Kate O’Connor (Athletics)

Runner Up: Aoife O’Rourke (Boxing), Fiona Murtagh (Rowing), Lara Gillespie (Cycling)

Male Athlete of the Year, sponsored by Allianz
Winner: Rory McIlroy (Golf) Runner Up: Ben Healy (Cycling), Cian McPhillips (Athletics), Fintan McCarthy (Rowing)

Rising Star, sponsored by Sport Ireland
Winner: Eve McMahon (Sailing) Runner Up: John Shortt (Swimming), Patsy Joyce (Boxing)

Team of the Year, sponsored by Flogas

Winner: Fintan McCarthy & Philip Doyle (Rowing) Runner Up: Senior Eventing Team (Equestrian), Men’s 3×3 Basketball Team

Coach of the Year, sponsored by Key Patent Innovations
Winner: Dominic Casey (Rowing) Runner Up: John Szaranek (Swimming), Michael O’Connor (Athletics)

Olympic Sporting Moment of the Year, sponsored by Fiat
Winner: Kate O’Connor’s World Championships silver medal Runner Up: Rory McIlroy’s Masters triumph; Ben Healy in the yellow jersey at the Tour de France

High Performance Programme of the Year, sponsored by Deloitte
Winner: Cycling Ireland Runner Up: Rowing Ireland; Swim Ireland

Creator of the Year, sponsored by McKeever Sports
Winner: Rhys McClenaghan Runner Up: Ayeisha McFerran & Unboxed; Daniel & Nathan Wiffen’s Vlog

Community Impact Award, sponsored by SPAR/EUROSPAR
Winner: Inbhear Dee Athletics Club’s Noreen O’Reilly, Eithne Walsh and Anne-Marie Kelly Runner Up: Rhys McClenaghan’s Club Tour; Cricket Connects Summer Camp

President’s Award                                    

Recipient: Maeve Kyle

Speaking after the ceremony, Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, said,

“Tonight was about recognising the people who give their all for Irish sport. Our athletes don’t show up once every four years, they train, compete and represent Ireland all year round. Their achievements this year reflect the strength of our high-performance structures, the support of Sport Ireland, and the tireless work of the national federations. The Olly celebrates not just the result, but the commitment and excellence behind it.”

OFI President Lochlann Walsh summed up the event, saying,

“This has been a massive year for Irish sport, and the standard of performances made this one of the toughest judging processes we’ve had. It was important to come together tonight to acknowledge the athletes, coaches, creators and volunteers who continue to inspire the nation. Every winner, and every nominee, represents the very best of Irish sport.”

The 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards celebrated not just podiums and moments, but the dedication, resilience and spirit that drive Irish athletes every day.