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December 5, 2025
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The Her Sport Awards on Friday, 23 January 2026 are set to honour the women in sport who have moved a nation
Her Sport and Lidl Ireland are proud to announce the return of the Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl, taking place on Friday, 23 January 2026 at The Helix, Dublin. After three consecutive sell-outs at UCD, the move to The Helix will double audience capacity, reflecting the extraordinary growth of women’s sport in Ireland and the public demand to celebrate those leading the way.
Now in its eighth year, the Her Sport Awards Presented by Lidl recognise the women who define Irish sport today, from the athletes who have given the nation unforgettable moments to the coaches, volunteers and community leaders who make sport possible across the country.
The Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl will honour excellence across six key categories:
● Athlete of the Year (sponsored by Gym Plus)
● Young Athlete of the Year
● Team of the Year
● Personality of the Year (sponsored by AYA)
● Community Award
● Hall of Fame (sponsored by Lidl)
The shortlist has been announced and public voting has now opened, and the public have until Friday, 16th January 2026 to cast their votes for their heroes. Voting is now open at: awards.hersport.ie.
The foundational importance of the Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl this year is directly tied to groundbreaking research from Lidl Ireland and the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA), which starkly highlights the need for increased visibility and representation in women’s sport.
The research findings powerfully underscore the mission of the Awards:
● Recognition Drives Attendance: A significant 42% of the Irish public stated they would be more likely to attend a women’s sport event if they recognised a player, while 43% identified not knowing the athletes as a barrier to attendance.
● Role Models Promote Equality: The public recognises the impact of female sporting role models, with 66% saying they encourage equality and 56% believing they help reduce gender inequality in sport.
Despite major progress, it is estimated that women’s sports media coverage accounts for 15% of all sports media coverage. Yet, this visibility is crucial with 55% of girls saying watching professional female athletes inspires them to play sport.
The need for role models is pressing, as participation drops sharply with age: one in five girls has dropped out of sport by post-primary school, which is four times more than boys. The Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl exist specifically to counteract this trend – by spotlighting role models, elevating their stories, and reinforcing that women and girls have a rightful place in every part of sport.
Niamh Tallon, Founder, Her Sport, said: “The Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl celebrate the women who give Ireland its proudest sporting moments and the people who make those moments possible. Moving to The Helix allows us to welcome more fans, more athletes and more stories. With Lidl’s support, we’ll continue to put female role models exactly where they belong, in the spotlight.”
Eimear O’Sullivan, Director of Corporate Affairs at Lidl Ireland, said: “Lidl is incredibly proud to partner with Her Sport on our shared mission of driving equality, visibility and recognition for women and girls in sport across Ireland. 2025 has been an exceptional year of sport and, as a dedicated sponsor of both the LGFA and the UEFA Women’s Euros, Lidl is committed to supporting every level of the game. From world-class athletes breaking records, to the incredible volunteers on the ground, every woman moving sport forward deserves this platform. We look forward to celebrating world-class female athletes at the awards in January.”
Against this backdrop of historic momentum, the Her Sport Awards presented by Lidl serve as Ireland’s landmark celebration. Lidl’s commitment to elevating women’s sport is further demonstrated by their sponsorship of UEFA, highlighting their sustained efforts to drive visibility and opportunity across the sporting landscape. Recognising over 30 sports in previous years, the Awards shine an essential spotlight on the athletes, teams, volunteers, and advocates who continue to push boundaries and inspire future generations, directly addressing the visibility gap highlighted by the Lidl research.
Full voting and ticket information is available at awards.hersport.ie.
ENDSAbout Her SportHer Sport is Ireland’s leading platform dedicated to women’s sport. Through visibility and education, it drives visibility, participation and opportunity. Her Sport celebrates athletes and communities across every level of sport and advocates for a more equal sporting landscape.
About Lidl IrelandLidl Ireland continues to champion female sports and athletes through its longstanding partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association (LGFA). Over the past decade, Lidl Ireland has invested more than €10 million in the partnership, supporting impactful campaigns and driving the visibility of female athletes, whilst also providing thousands of new jerseys, substantial community funding and vital equipment to teams across the country.
