Katie McCabe named 2023 Sportswoman of the Year

Republic of Ireland captain Katie McCabe has been named Sportswoman of the Year for 2023 at the annual awards held by The Irish Times and Sports Ireland, while former Ireland rugby player Fiona Coghlan was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution award.

McCabe led her national squad to their first ever major tournament earlier this year, travelling to the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She also became the first Irish player to score at a World Cup, with her stunning score from a corner kick against Canada being nominated for the goal of the tournament accolade.

Despite a difficult World Cup campaign, where the Girls in Green exited after the pool stages, the squad have bounced back tremendously, with McCabe to the fore of their recent winning streak in the Uefa Nations League.

Under the guidance of newly appointed Republic of Ireland manager Eileen Gleeson, McCabe and her teammates appear to be heralding in a new era of the game in Ireland.

But the 28-year-old Tallaght woman has also impressed for her club, being named Player of the Season by her club Arsenal earlier this year.

And it's no wonder. Her goal against Manchester City was picked as Womens Super League Goal of the Year, she was named in the Champions League team of the season, and she became the first Irish player to be nominated for the Women's Ballon d'Or to top it all off.

Unable to attend Friday's awards ceremony at the Shelbourne Hotel, McCabe's sister Vanessa accepted the award from Minister for Sport Catherin Martin on her behalf.

In a video message played at the ceremony, Katie looked back on what she said was a "special year".

"I’d like to thank my teammates for club and country and all the staff who’ve helped me along the way. I wouldn’t