Host of Limerick successes at All-Ireland League rugby awards

THERE were a number of Limerick successes at the 2024/2025 energia All-Ireland League awards, the winners of which were announced at Bective Rangers RFC this week.

The All-Ireland League season culminated in an exciting Energia AIL Men’s and Women’s Finals double header in Aviva Stadium last weekend, which saw 4,328 in attendance.

 The Men’s Division 1A Player of the Year, Limerick native Dan Goggin, enjoyed a brilliant campaign in his debut season with St. Mary’s College, while prop Eilís Cahill was a stand-out performer for UL-Bohemian throughout the season, culminating in scoring the last-minute winning try in last Sunday's final.

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Former Munster star Goggin retired from professional rugby in 2024 and featured both in the centre and at number eight for the Templeville Road club during the 2024/2025 AIL season.

Ireland Women’s team Head Coach Scott Bemand and Women’s Scrum Coach Denis Fogarty joined Ireland Men’s and British & Irish Lions Assistant Coaches John Fogarty and Andrew Goodman among the special guests at the awards night

These awards were voted for by members of the media that cover the Energia All-Ireland Leagues. 

Meanwhile, the Energia AIL Community Hero Award was won by Cathal Quaid, of Young Munster. Along with many other

jobs within the Greenfields club, Cathal Quaid is the minis coach to the U8s, assistant secretary, and was pivotal in structuring a pathway for the U21s team for next season.

Speaking at the awards, Managing Director at Energia, Gary Ryan said: “On behalf of everyone at Energia, a massive congratulations to all of the Energia AIL Award winners for 2025. Your achievements both individually and collectively are a true reflection of the dedication and effort you've shown throughout the season. We’re already looking ahead with excitement to the Energia AIL 2025/26 season and can’t wait to see you back on the pitch.”

The Energia ‘Possibilities’ Award this year went to Lansdowne FC. After a tough start to the season, Lansdowne won the Energia All Ireland Bateman Cup which galvanized the team into a near perfect second half to the season. They truly demonstrated the power

of possibility.

Elsewhere, clubs from across Ireland were invited to nominate members or volunteers who have consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to their club. 

The nominees for this award have volunteered for the betterment of their club for many years, at all levels and over a wide range of tasks on and off the pitch. The Community Hero awards were nominated by club members and supporters of the league.  

Commenting on the Energia AIL Awards, Limerick man Declan Madden, who is 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”.

This year’s awards were presented by Limerick man Daragh Frawley from The Club Scene podcast.

Awards & Winners:

Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division Player of the Year 2024/25: Eilís Cahill, UL Bohemian

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 1A Player of the Year 2024/25: Dan Goggin, St Mary’s College

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 1B Player of the Year 2024/25: Kevin O’Flaherty, Nenagh Ormond

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2A Player of the Year 2024/25: Bevan Prinsloo, Instonians

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2B Player of the Year 2024/25: Jamie Kavanagh, Wanderers

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division 2C Player of the Year 2024/25: JB Du Toit, Midleton

Energia AIL Coach of the Year Awards

Energia All-Ireland League Men's Division Coach of the Year 2024/25: Quenton O’Neale, Old Belvedere

Energia All-Ireland League Women's Division Coach of the Year 2024/25: Jason Moreton, Wicklow

Energia AIL Community Hero Award

Cathal Quaid, Young Munster

Energia AIL Referee of the Season

Dan Carson

Energia AIL Possibilities Award

Lansdowne FC