AIB Club Players Of The Year announced

21 March 2025 - 11:55PM

Con O'Callaghan starred for Cuala in the AIB All-Ireland Club SFC. Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Con O’Callaghan of Cuala, Louise Ward of Kilkerrin-Clonberne, Andrew Jamieson-Murphy of Na Fianna and Niamh McGrath of Sarsfields have been named as the AIB Club Players of the Year for 2024/25 in their respective codes. The AIB Club Player Awards extended beyond individual accolades to recognise the collective achievements of the Teams of the Year. These teams, chosen by a panel of experts following a diligent assessment of championship performances, were celebrated during the event in Croke Park.

The AIB GAA Football Club Player of the Year is Cuala’s, Con O’Callaghan, who played a pivotal role in Cuala winning their first ever AIB GAA Football Club All-Ireland title. Throughout the Leinster and All-Ireland campaign, Con scored an incredible 0-21. It wasn’t just his scoring that helped Cuala bring home the Andy Merrigan cup, his work rate around the pitch also played a crucial role in their success. In winning the All-Ireland title, Con joined an illustrious list of dual Hurling and Football All-Ireland Club winners, having previously won the AIB GAA Hurling Club All-Ireland title with Cuala in 2017 and 2018.

The AIB Camogie Club Player of the Year is Sarsfields midfielder Niamh McGrath, who was immense in midfield throughout Sarsfields campaign. Niamh, who gave birth to her first child just 10 months before the All-Ireland final, put in a player of the match performance in the final, dominating the midfield exchanges and scoring 6 points, including some outstanding scores from prodigious distances. While in their semi-final victory over Loughgiel Shamrocks, it was Niamh’s long-range goal that started Sarsfields dramatic comeback to overcome the Ulster Champions. This is Niamh’s second time picking up the AIB Camogie Club Player of the Year, having previously picked it up in 2022/23, as she helped Sarsfield win their third All-Ireland title in four years.

The AIB GAA Hurling Club Player of the Year is Na Finna sharpshooter Andrew Jamieson-Murphy. Andrew was immense for Na Fianna throughout their Leinster campaign with victory-sealing goals in their quarter final and final victories. These performances were followed up with a memorable stoppage time winning point in the All-Ireland semi-final against Loughrea. He saved the best performance for the All-Ireland Final, where he scored five points from play, and took home the player of the match award. Overall, Andrew finished the campaign with a tally of 2-15, helping Na Fianna to their first AIB GAA Hurling Club All-Ireland title.

The AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Player of the Year is Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s inspirational figure Louise Ward. Louise was the catalyst for Kilkerrin-Clonberne’s high tempo and energy that ultimately helped them overcome a strong challenge from Kilmacud Crokes in the All-Ireland Final. The centre forward kicked an important point against Westport in the Connacht final and followed it up with a point in the All-Ireland final, as Kilkerrin-Clonberne claimed their fourth consecutive AIB All-Ireland Senior Club Championship title.

Building on decades of commitment to the GAA Club Championships (a partnership that began in 1991) and the Camogie Club Championships (sponsored by AIB since 2013), AIB expanded its support for Gaelic Games in 2024 by sponsoring the AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Championship for the first time, unifying four codes – Football, Hurling, Camogie, and Ladies Football – under one sponsorship banner.

Commenting on the Awards, AIB Chief Customer Officer Orlaith Ryan said: "At AIB, we are exceptionally proud to stand alongside these incredible athletes as sponsors of the AIB Club Championships. Tonight, we celebrated not just individual brilliance, but the dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment of every player who has graced the field in football, hurling, camogie, and ladies' football. Congratulations to all the winners and indeed to every player who embodies the true spirit of #TheToughest."

Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael Jarlath Burns added*:* "Communities the length and breadth of Ireland march to the beat of the AIB GAA Club Championships. These awards recognise the best of the best, and all of the players here tonight are in their own way ambassadors for the thousands of inspirational hurlers, camógs and footballers who dedicate themselves to their local club, to representing their own in pursuit of glory. On this historic occasion it is a pleasure to share this stage with the worthy winners of the Camogie and LGFA Club Awards and a privilege to congratulate Con, Andrew, Niamh and Louise on being recognised as the Players of the Year in their respective codes. Our thanks to AIB for their continued support of our native games and I look forward to the battle commencing for club championship honours later this year.”

Uachtarán an Cumann Camógaíochta, Brian Molloy said: "The AIB Camogie Club Championships have once again delivered a season of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments. Niamh's incredible performance is a testament to the skill and resilience of our camogie players. Congratulations to Niamh and all the camogie players honoured this evening – you are an inspiration to the next generation of camogie stars, showcasing the very best of #TheToughest."

President of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Trina Murray said: "The AIB Ladies Gaelic Football Club Championships are a testament to the strength and passion within our sport. Louise's leadership and skill shone brightly throughout the season, and she is a deserving recipient of this prestigious award. Congratulations to Louise and all the Ladies Gaelic football players recognised tonight. Your dedication and commitment make us all proud."

Full details of both teams are below:

AIB GAA Club Football Team of the Year 2024/25