Wexford’s Aoife Wafer was honoured recently at The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year awards for her excellent performances in Ireland’s Six Nations campaign…
As well as winning the Sportswoman of the Month award for April, the Ireland flanker was named the Player of the Tournament in a shortlist which included England winger Abby Dow, France lock and captain Manaé Feleu and Scotland back rower Evie Gallagher.
All four players made the 2025 Team of the Championship line-up with Wafer also finishing as the joint-second highest try scorer with four, taking her impressive tally to 12 tries in 15 appearances for Ireland.
During the tournament Wafter made a staggering 70 carries, the most of any player in this year’s campaign for an amazing 425 metres, beating 17 defenders in the process.
While it was an excellent campaign on a personal level for the Ballygarret native, it was a mixed one for the team as a whole with just two wins and three defeats.
Unfortunately, due to injury Wafer missed out on Ireland’s pool stages at the World Cup in England but returned to face France in the quarter final where Ireland lost out on a semi-final place in controversial circumstances.
Injuries picked up in the World Cup delayed Wafer’s debut for Premiership Women’s Rugby side Harlequins but the Ireland flanker ticked that box just before Christmas, coming on as a sub in a 22-17 win over Sale Sharks.
Wafer and Ireland will no doubt be looking to put the experiences gained last season to good use in the upcoming Six Nations and beyond. She was unable to attend the gala award ceremony in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel and her award was accepted on her behalf by her mum Samantha.
O’Connor named Sportswoman of the Year 2025
At the event, Kate O’Connor, who crowned an unbelievable breakthrough year by winning silver in the heptathlon at the World Championships in Tokyo in September, was named The Irish Times Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year 2025.
The award capped an amazing 12 months for the 25-year-old Dundalk-based track and field star who medalled in all four of the championships she entered and announced herself on the world stage as one of the best all-round women athletes in the world.
In a year of outstanding achievements her silver at the World Championships in Tokyo was the crowning glory. As well as scoring five personal bests in the seven events, she attained a tally of 6,714 points, smashing her own Irish record set in July.
Other award winners
Legendary Mayo Gaelic football forward Cora Staunton, who won four All-Irelands and three National League titles with the county, was honoured with the Irish Times / Sport Ireland Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award.
In addition to her county medals, Staunton, who made her debut for the county team in 1995 aged just 13, won six All-Ireland ladies club football championships with her club Carnacon. She also amassed a total of 11 All Star Awards before retiring from intercounty football in 2019.
This year, the 21st year of the Awards was clearly a special one for Irish athletics, with athletes making up over a quarter of the 15 monthly award winners (For some months there are double winners).
In addition to O’Connor and Sarah Healy (March), Orla Comerford (Sept) and Caitríona Jennings (Nov) won Sportswoman of the Month awards.
Some of the other winners included boxer Katie Taylor, soccer players Katie McCabe (Arsenal) and Kelly Brady (Athlone Town) as well as Lara Gillespie and Katie-George Dunlevy and Linda Kelly in cycling. (For full list of monthly award winners see below)
The Sports Editor of The Irish Times Noel O’Reilly paid tribute to all the 2025 winners.
“Once again, it has been a pleasure and a privilege for our team of reporters at The Irish Times to cover the achievements of these women through 2025.
“They are heroes of Irish life, examples to our daughters and sons and a credit to their families, coaches, partners, and friends. We thank them and salute them for making it such a memorable and special year, and we wish them continuing success in the year to come.”
The Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport Patrick O’Donovan said:“Irish sportswomen have delivered extraordinary achievements this year, breaking records and making history across multiple disciplines. Their dedication reflects resilience and commitment in the face of significant challenges. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment deserve sincere appreciation. We are privileged to have such inspiring role models, and I warmly congratulate all of this year’s award recipients for their outstanding contribution to Irish sport.”
Dr Úna May, Sport Ireland CEO said:
“This year has been extraordinary for Irish women in sport, and today we proudly celebrate their achievements. These successes are built on the unwavering support of coaches, families, volunteers, and communities. We owe them all a debt of gratitude.
“It’s important to also credit the state for its strong and consistent investment. The Government’s generous €4m allocation to the Women in Sport Programme is truly transformative. This funding drives initiatives in participation, coaching, leadership, visibility, and more, ensuring women and girls thrive at every stage of sport.”
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