Wall named Meath Sportsperson of the Year for second time

SPORTS AWARDS Star-studded gathering for presentation afternoon in Athboy.

Fergal Lynch

Published: Fri 23 May 2025, 1:54 PM

Meath Ladies footballer, Ireland Rugby 7s player and AFLW champion with North Melbourne Vikki Wall was crowned Meath Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 at a star-studded Meath Chronicle Sports awards ceremony, in partnership with Bective Stud, Tearooms & Apartments, in the Darnley Hotel Athboy on Thursday afternoon.

It was the second time Wall was named Meath Sportsperson of Year, she also won the award in 2021 when she helped guide Meath to All-Ireland SFC glory and was named Player of the Year.

2024 was a phenomenal year for the 27-year-old Dunboyne star who became a superstar on the local, national and international stage.

Sportsperson of the Year Vikki Wall with Meath Chronicle sports editor Fergal Lynch, sponsor Noel Moran and former three-time winner Gordon Elliott. Photo: Gerry Shanahan-www.cyberimages.net Photo by Gerry Shanahan

After being approached by the IRFU to try out for the Ireland Rugby 7s team, Wall made her debut for Ireland in January '24 in the HSBC SVNS Series in Perth Australia where Ireland went on to win the tournament.

Despite missing out on a place on the team for the Paris Olympics, Wall was in the French capital to support her team mates before return to Ireland to play for Meath in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Kerry.

After that the Dunboyne woman then returned to Australia where she played a starring role in helping North Melbourne to their first AFLW title with a resounding Grand Final win over Brisbane Lions where Wall contributed a couple of goals.

Wall held off stiff competition to claim the overall Sportsperson of the year title from former winner and champion jockey Colin Keane and star Meath footballer Mathew Costello.

The Young Sportsperson of the Year award, sponsored by Meath Local Sports Partnership, went to another star of Meath GAA and potential Aussie Rules star Eamonn Armstrong who was recognised for his outstanding performances in helping Meath to a first Leinster u-20/21 title in 23 years.

Eamonn Armstrong being interviewed on stage by Fergal Lynch. Photo: Gerry Shanahan-www.cyberimages.net Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Armstrong was shortlisted for the honour along with Meath kayaker Lisa Hough and Ashbourne golfer Mark Muldoon.

The Team of the Year award, sponsored by Meath Co Council, went to the aforementioned Meath u-20s who produced several sparkling displays on route to their magnificent provincial success.

At the Team of the Year presentation were Tom Gannon (Meath Chronicle), Cathal O Bric (u-20 manager), Des Foley (Meath County Council), Liam Kelly (u-20 captain); John O'Regan (u-20 player), Aidan Young (u-20 coach) and Eamonn Armstrong (u-20 player). Photo: Gerry Shanahan-www.cyberimages.net Photo by Gerry Shanahan

The other nominees in the Team of the Year category were NEFL Challenge Cup champions and Kilmessan Shield winners Trim Celtic and 11-time All-Ireland 60x30 All-Ireland Club Handball champs Kells Handball Club.

Trim AC's Liam Foley, son of two-time All-Ireland SFC winner and scorer of the greatest goal in Meath GAA history Kevin, picked up the Outstanding Achievement award, sponsored by Aura Leisure Navan and Trim, following his double gold winning performance at the Trisome Games in Turley where he stormed to victory in the 800m and 1500m.

Outstanding Achievement winner Liam Foley is interviewed by Fergal Lynch, with sponsors Adam Cantwell and Shane Smith of Aura Leisure Trim and Navan. Photo: Gerry Shanahan-www.cyberimages.net Photo by Gerry Shanahan

Irish Grand National winning trainer Tom Gibney and Moynalty sailor Tom Dolan, who became the first Irish man to win the Figaro Du Solaire, were the other nominees in the Outstanding Ahievement category.

Bohermeen AC's Stephen Ball was the latest inductee into the Meath Sports Hall of Fame, sponsored by Bective Stud, and the ever humble athletics official said he accepted the award on behalf of the 1000s of volunteers across the country who keep the athletics events running so smoothly.