McGann wins 'Try of the Year' at rugby awards

A pivotal score from Moydrum native Anna McGann was awarded Women's 'Try of the Year' at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards in the Aviva Stadium this week.

McGann touched down following a sweeping team move during Ireland's comprehensive 54-12 win over Italy in the Women's Six Nations in March. The try was one of three scored by the winger as Ireland claimed their first win over Italy since 2022.

There was further Midlands recognition at the awards ceremony when Clara native Aoife Dalton was named as the Players’ Player of the Year having been a hugely influential figure for the Ireland women's rugby team during the 2024/25 season.

Meanwhile, Munster stalwart Tadhg Beirne has been recognised by his fellow players as the Men’s Players’ Players of the Year 2025 at the Rugby Players Ireland Awards. Recently called up to his second Lions tour, Beirne beat off the claims of Tom Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park and Irish captain Caelan Doris for the award.

Many of the biggest names in Irish rugby were present for the awards at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday night, as former players Barry Murphy and Andrew Trimble reflected on an eventful campaign, on and off the field.

Rugby Players Ireland Awards: 2025 winners and nominees

OCC Consulting Men’s Xvs Players’ Player of the Year: Tadhg Beirne. Nominees: Caelan Doris, Tom Farrell, Jamison Gibson-Park.

OCC Consulting Women’s Xvs Players’ Player of the Year: Aoife Dalton. Nominees: Amee-Leigh Costigan, Niamh O’Dowd, Dorothy Wall.

Nevin Spence Men’s Xvs Young Player of the Year: Sam Prendergast. Nominees: Gus McCarthy, Ben Murphy.

Energia Women’s Xvs Young Player of the Year: Erin King. Nominees: Ruth Campbell, Aoife Dalton.

MSL Mercedes-Benz Ballsbridge Men’s Xvs Try of the Year: Dan Sheehan (v England). Nominees: Stewart Moore (v Stormers), Dan Sheehan (v Ulster).

AIB Corporate Banking Women’s Xvs Try of the Year: Anna McGann (v Italy). Nominees: Amee-Leigh Costigan (v England), Linda Djougang (v Wales).

Tritonlake Men’s 7s Player of the Year: Dylan O’Grady. Nominees: Niall Comerford, Mark Roche.

TritonLake Women’s 7s Player of the Year: Lucinda Kinghan. Nominees: Hannah Clarke, Kate Farrell-McCabe.

Zurich Contribution to Irish Society Award: Eimear Considine.

Druids Glen Hotel & Golf Resort Moment of the Year: Ireland’s Triple Crown success accepted by Caelan Doris.