Nenagh Ormond’s Willie Coffey scoops prestigious rugby award

Toomevara native Wilie Coffey has been named the AIL Division 2A player of the year for his performances this season for Nenagh Ormond.

The dynamic player was announced as the winner at last night’s Energia AIL awards ceremony at Energia Park in Donnybrook following his key role in captaining the North Tipp club to a first ever Division 2A title in a hugely successful season.

Cashel’s captain Mikey Wilson was also nominated for the award after they finished so close to the promotion berth only being pipped by Barnhall in a playoff last month. Nenagh’s coach Derek Corcoran was nominated for the AIL coach of the year after guiding Nenagh to the top of the table.

The awards follow a stellar season which culminated in attendance at the Energia AIL men’s and women’s double header finals in Aviva Stadium.

The Men’s Division 1A Player of the Year, Jack Kelleher starred for his side throughout the campaign which culminated in Cork Constitution’s victory over Terenure College in the final.

The Women’s Player of the Year, Lindsay Peat helped Railway Union all the way to the final, just coming up short against UL Bohemian. 

Speaking about the All-Ireland League Awards, the Managing Director at Energia Gary Ryan said: "On behalf of Energia, I’d like to congratulate the award winners and thank all of you who attended the awards, showing your appreciation for the players and volunteers that have made for a stellar season. We are already looking forward to seeing all the players back on the field for what I’m sure will be another gripping Energia AIL season."

Commenting on the Energia AIL Awards, Greg Barrett, President of the IRFU said: "On behalf of the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU), I would like to congratulate all the winners of the various Men’s and Women’s Energia All-Ireland Leagues for their efforts over the course of the season.

Energia AIL Player of the Year Awards

Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Player of the Year 2023/24: Lindsay Peat (Railway Union)

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1A Player of the Year 2023/24: Jack Kelleher (Cork Constitution)

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 1B Player of the Year 2023/24: Ronan Watters (St. Mary’s College)

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2A Player of the Year 2023/24: Willie Coffey (Nenagh Ormond)

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2B Player of the Year 2023/24: John Devine (Galway Corinthians)

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division 2C Player of the Year 2023/24: Callum Smyton (Clogher Valley)

Energia AIL Coach of the Year Awards

Energia All-Ireland League Women’s Division Coach of the Year 2023/24: Fiona Hayes (UL Bohemian)

Energia All-Ireland League Men’s Division Coach of the Year 2023/24: Sean Skehan (Terenure College)

Energia AIL Community Hero Award: Tadhg Crowe, Shannon RFC

Energia AIL Possibilities Award: St. Mary’s College RFC

Energia Referee of the Year: Andrew Cole