Dan Goggin and Eilís Cahill named AIL Players of the Year
St Mary's Goggins enjoyed a good season in his debut season while UL Bohemian's Cahill was a standout performer for her side throughout the season which culminated in scoring a last minute winning try in the final.
The Energia Possibilities Awards went to Lansdowne FC. It was a tough start to the season Lansdowne won th Energia All Ireland Bateman Cup that galvanized the team after a near perfect second half of the season and demonstrated the power of possiblity.
The Men's Coach of the Year award went to Old Bevedere's Quenton O'Neale with Wicklow's Jason Moreton collection the Women's Coach of the Year award.
Clubs from across the country nominated members or volunteers that demonstrated exceptional commitment to their club and Young Munster's Cathal Quaid was awarded the Community Hero Award for 2025.
Cathal is the minis coach with the U8s, assistant secretary and was pivotal in the structuring pathway for the U21 team for next season.
Commenting on the Energia AIL Awards, Declan Madden, President of the IRFU said: 'The 2024/25 season was a memorable one at Club level, coming, as it did, for the IRFU's 150th anniversary. Club rugby plays a hugely important role in the fabric of rugby in Ireland and on behalf of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), I would like to congratulate the winners across all the divisions of the Energia All Ireland League for their efforts over the course of the season.
"I would also like to thank Energia for their unwavering support of Irish rugby at all levels. Their commitment continues to play a vital role in raising the profile of the Club game right across the island of Ireland'.
Women's Division Player of the Year: Eilís Cahill, UL Bohemian
Men's Division 1A Player of the Year: Dan Goggin, St Mary's College
Men's Division 1B Player of the Year: Kevin O'Flaherty, Nenagh Ormond
Men's Division 2A Player of the Year: Bevan Prinsloo, Instonians
Men's Division 2B Player of the Year: Jamie Kavanagh, Wanderers
Men's Division 2C Player of the Year: JB Du Toit, Midleton
Men's Division Coach of the Year: Quenton O'Neale, Old Belvedere
Women's Division Coach of the Year: Jason Moreton, Wicklow
Community Hero Award:,Cathal Quaid, Young Munster
Referee of the Season: Dan Carson
Possibilities Award:Lansdowne FC
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The 42
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Meath operated in the intermediate ranks in those years of 2018 and 2019, losing All-Ireland finals in both seasons. They finally got over the line in 2020, beating Westmeath to return to the senior ranks. Then the fun really started with landmark senior successes in 2021 and 2022. But when the Eamonn Murray management team broke up after that, and results spiralled, many presumed the party was over. "No, that was never the perception inside the group," contested Wall, who missed virtually all of last year due to rugby commitments. "I could understand that from the outside perspective. We've lost to Kerry in quarter-finals in each of the last two years. "Going out at the quarter-final stage, you're in the top eight, okay, but top eight is a far, far cry from being in an All-Ireland final. "I think this year we were very conscious of the potential within the group but also knowing that you still had to get the scores and you still had to get the results on the day. "Knowing there's potential there and actually executing it are two very different things." Wall's presence for the entire season, allowing her to link up again with her sister, Sarah, and clubmate Emma Duggan, has been significant. "I probably didn't see it happening last November, December, to be back in with Meath this year," she revealed. "So, for me, I've just enjoyed this year so much. "Even when results weren't going our way, or when we wouldn't be happy with things, like driving to training every day and stuff, I was still just really grateful to be here and just really lapping it up and enjoying it with the girls. "I don't know whether I'm a bit more present than in other years or something but I suppose, for me, that probably feels a little bit different. So yeah, I'm really enjoying it." What might have kept her away from football in 2025, rugby? "No, I just wasn't too sure," she shrugged. "I suppose finishing up in Oz and it had been a long enough year and a half and stuff before that. But look, just delighted to be back in with the girls. It's been class." Megan Thynne, Meath's dynamo half-forward, and midfielder Marion Farrelly also lined out against Cork a decade ago and are expected to start tomorrow. Shauna Ennis could start again too, if she slips in as expected for the injured Katie Newe, while current sub goalkeeper Monica McGuirk was the number one in 2015. McGuirk also has iconic status within Meath ladies football, a three-time All-Star and two-time All-Ireland winner. She's being kept out of the team by Robyn Murray, an adventurous young 'keeper who, along with Kerrie Cole and Ciara Smyth represents a new wave of talent. "There's a great mix," said Wall. "Other individuals that have been here for the last few years, have grown as well. And there's a bit of flair in the younger players. Having them all at training and pushing each other, that's instrumental for our team." And yet Dublin are still favourites. The 2023 champions have beaten Meath three times already this year, though it took a late surge to take the Leinster title. "I don't think we did ourselves justice with our performance, as in our scoring accuracy and stuff like that," said Wall of the provincial decider. "I suppose everyone wants to right those wrongs, all the cliches, but I think there's a lot more to it than the Leinster final."
