News

Energia All Ireland League Award Winners 2023 Announced

19th May 2023

3 out of the 5 Men's Player of the Season Awards were claimed by Ulster clubs: Rhys O’Donnell (Instonians RFC) in 2C, David Whitten (Queen’s University RFC) in 2A, and Ryan O’Neill (City Of Armagh RFC) in 1B.

Armagh's Chris Parker won the Men’s Division Coach Of The Season, and Peter Martin (Queen’s University) was recognised as the Referee of the Season.

The awards follow a stellar season which culminated in attendance at the Energia AIL Men’s Division 1A Final in Aviva Stadium reaching a record 8,642, an increase of 50% on the 2022 final.

The Men’s Division 1A Player of the Season, Caolan Dooley, starred in the final with a 30-point haul in an emphatic win over Clontarf Rugby Club. Dooley also won Player of the Match in that game and received plaudits from the likes of Ronan O’Gara following a stunning kicking display.

The Women’s Player of the Season, Michelle Claffey enjoyed a tremendous season, having led Blackrock College RFC to victory over Railway Union RFC in the Energia AIL Women’s division.

Commenting on the Energia AIL Awards, John Robinson, President of the IRFU said: “On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to extend a mighty congratulations to the winner of each award, and my thanks to all who attended this evening. Furthermore, my thanks to Energia for their support and promotion of the Energia All-Ireland League as title sponsor. We look forward to continuing to work together over the coming years, and truly appreciate their efforts in delivering the Energia AIL Awards.”

## Energia AIL Awards