AOIFE KELLY – Women’s Soccer

At just 18 years old, Aoife Kelly has achieved more than most. Part of the Shamrock Rovers team that returned to National League football two years ago, the youngster rose to stardom, landing herself with a starting spot in the heart of the Rovers midfield. 2024 saw Kelly return to Rovers for a second season and impressed so much that she was nominated for the U19's Player of the Season, having won the U17's award in 2023. 

She was also selected for the Ireland U19's team that competed at the European Championships this summer where they pulled off a huge shock, as they drew with Spain, who would go on to win the tournament. They would go on to have a heartbreaking defeat against Germany in a game where Ireland took the lead in the first half before eventually losing out in the second half. They lost their final game to the Netherlands 2-0. 

Her form has earned her a move to Wexford for 2025 where she will link up with fellow Carlow women, Lauren Dwyer and her idol and fellow St. Pat's legend, Kylie Murphy. 

Aoife has fast earned herself a reputation as one of the brightest young stars in the Women’s National League and on the international stage, evident by the award nominations she’s received over the past two years. 

Her versatility hasn’t gone unnoticed, she’s played predominantly as a defensive midfielder with Rovers, whilst playing in a back three for Ireland U19’s, but was pushed into an attacking midfield role for the final few games of the season for Rovers. 

Aoife is winning this award for a second year in a row, and it’s safe to say that she is growing into one of the best young players in the country for both club and country.