PICTURES: Photos as Dundalk's O'Connor shines at Olympic Sport Awards

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Photos from the 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards held in the Royal Convention Centre, Dublin, on Saturday night.

Dundalk’s Kate O’Connor has spent the past 12 months redefining what is possible for Irish multi-eventers. The World Heptathlon silver medallist added two more major honours to her growing list at the 2025 Team Ireland Olympic Sport Awards.

The 24-year-old St. Gerard's AC athlete was crowned Female Athlete of the Year, edging out world champions across boxing, rowing and track cycling.

Her father and coach, Michael O’Connor, newly inducted into the World Athletics Hall of Fame, was also recognised, finishing runner-up for Coach of the Year.

And in perhaps the most symbolic moment of the evening, Kate’s World Championship silver medal was voted Olympic Sporting Moment of the Year, triumphing over Rory McIlroy’s historic Masters win and Ben Healy’s yellow-jersey heroics at the Tour de France.

O’Connor’s 2025 has been nothing short of incredible with what began with an indoor campaign evolved into heptathlon gold at the World University Games.

By the time she stepped onto the track in Japan last September, she carried the hopes of a nation. She returned with a world silver medal and a place among the sport’s elite.

The competition for Saturday’s honours underscores just how exceptional that achievement was.

O’Connor was judged ahead of monumental performers: Aoife O’Rourke, Fiona Murtagh and Lara Gillespie, all world champions in their respective fields.

McIlroy, meanwhile, was named Male Athlete of the Year after a season in which he finally secured his elusive Masters title to complete the career Grand Slam.

But O’Connor, remarkably, pipped even McIlroy to the most coveted distinction, the public-driven Moment of the Year.

Peter Sherrard, CEO of the Olympic Federation of Ireland, reflected the room’s admiration, saying: “Tonight was about recognising the people who give their all for Irish sport.

“Our athletes don’t show up once every four years, they train, compete and represent Ireland all year round.

“Their achievements this year reflect the strength of our high-performance structures, the support of Sport Ireland, and the tireless work of the national federations. The Olly celebrates not just the result, but the commitment and excellence behind it.”