Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has been named Sportswoman of the Year for 2023 at the annual awards held by The Irish Times and Sports Ireland, while former Ireland rugby player Fiona Coghlan was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution award.
McCabe led her national squad to their first ever major tournament earlier this year, travelling to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
She also became the first Irish player to score at a World Cup, with her stunning score from a corner kick against Canada being nominated for the goal of the tournament accolade.
Despite a difficult World Cup campaign, where the Girls in Green exited after the pool stages, the squad have bounced back tremendously, with McCabe to the fore of their recent winning streak in the Uefa Nations League.
Under the guidance of newly appointed Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson, McCabe and her teammates appear to be heralding in a new era of the game in Ireland.
But the 28-year-old Tallaght woman has also impressed for her club, being named Player of the Season by her club Arsenal earlier this year.
And it's no wonder. Her goal against Manchester City was picked as Womens Super League Goal of the Year, she was named in the Champions League team of the season, and she became the first Irish player to be nominated for the Women's Ballon d'Or to top it all off.
Unable to attend Friday's awards ceremony at the Shelbourne Hotel, McCabe's sister Vanessa accepted the award from Minister for Sport Catherin Martin on her behalf.
In a video message played at the ceremony, Katie looked back on what she said was a "special year".
"I’d like to thank my teammates for club and country and all the staff who’ve helped me along the way. I wouldn’t be here without them.
"And a special thank you to The Irish Times for selecting me as this year’s winner. It’s an absolute honour to be even mentioned amongst so many inspirational Irish sportswomen, so this one really, really means a lot."
Grand Slam winning captain Fiona Coghlan received the Outstanding Contribution award, in recognition of her efforts in securing Ireland's first-ever women's Six Nations title in 2013 and her wider contribution to the sport.
The Dubliner made her international debut in 2003, going on to represent Ireland for 11 year, appearing in three World Cups, taking over the captincy on a permanent basis in 2010.
Again, Coghlan's success was not confined to the international stage, as she also was instrumental in UL Bohemian's 11 All-Ireland Division 1 titles, and Leinster's three interprovincial wins.
Off the pitch, she has worked to develop the women's game around the country, and also lends her expertise as a commentator and analyst.
Her Outstanding Contribution award comes a decade after she was named Sportswoman of the Year.
The winner of the Sportswoman of the Year award was chosen form the pool of monthly recipients, which this year included Eilish & Roisin Flanagan (Athletics), Rhasidat Adeleke (Athletics), Orla Prendergast (Cricket), Rachael Blackmore (Horse Racing), Thammy Nguyen (Weightlifting), Lucy Mulhall (Rugby), Leona Maguire (Golf), Katie-Geroge Dunlevy (Cycling), Ciara Mageean (Athletics), Siobhán McCrohan (Rowing), Mona McSharry (Swimming), and Katie Taylor (Boxing).
Speaking at the ceremony, which marked the 20th iteration of the awards, The Irish Times sports editor Noel O'Reilly commended this year's winners.
"With every passing year, the bar keeps being raised with soaring new standards set by Irish sportswomen for those who will come after them.
"The past 12 months have been no different with inspirational performances and unprecedented achievements across the board. It’s been an honour for The Irish Times to follow their journeys through 2023, and we look forward to savouring their achievements in the years to come."
