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03 Feb 2026
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03 Feb 2026
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BRENDAN MCDAID MEMORIAL SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT
The winner of the 2025 Brendan McDaid Memorial Special Achievement Award is Niamh McLaughlin, Moville (Gold Coast Suns, AFLW)
In 2025, Niamh made history as a trailblazer in Australian Rules football, becoming the first Irish-born player to captain an AFLW club when she was named co-captain of the Gold Coast Suns, a remarkable achievement in just her third season in the competition.
Her leadership on and off the field has been widely praised, with McLaughlin a key figure in the Suns’ campaign and a consistent contributor in defence and attack throughout the season.
Crowning her outstanding year, she earned selection in the 2025 AFLW All-Australian team, a first-time accolade recognising her elite performance among the league’s best.
Niamh’s 2025 season stands as a defining milestone in her career and an inspiration for Irish athletes in Australian sport. This is Niamh’s second Donegal Sports Star Award.
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