2026 is the year the Irish women in sport are proving that they are not here to make up the numbers.
They are competing and medalling with confidence at the highest level in their respective sports in front of the world. Across athletics, football, swimming, and rugby, these women are showing Ireland belongs in the conversation.
These are not legacy or throwback mentions. These are Irish women shattering global expectations right now and setting the standard for those who come next.
7. Leanne Kiernan – a consistent force in women’s football
Leanne Kiernan is known for her direct, aggressive, and persistent performance in Football; defenders on the opposing team never get an easy match when she’s playing.
Balancing club football in England, alongside her international duties, she continues to be an important player for Ireland.
As football continues to accelerate on the worldwide stage, Leanne consistently shows that Irish women can succeed at a professional Level.
6. Sarah Healy – Ireland’s rising middle-distance talent
Sarah is showing that middle-distance running is just as much about the brain as it is about the lungs. She is a smart racer, waiting and powering through at just the right time.
She is still early on in her senior career and is already lining up against the best in Europe and internationally.
The steady confidence she brings suggests that it is only the beginning of a strong career in Athletics.
5. Amee-Leigh Costigan – speed, skill, and sevens success
Amee-Leigh Costigan is known for grabbing the ball, spotting a gap, and making her move. Anyone who has watched Rugby Sevens knows how exciting those moments can be.
She brings energy to the pitch, and her instincts make her a tough opponent. She has played a key role in Ireland’s rise in the sevens game, helping put the country on the global stage.
In a sport that demands both speed and precision, she delivers both.
4. Kate O’Connor – Ireland’s rising star in combined events
If you haven’t seen a heptathlon, it’s seven events over two days – a true test of endurance. Kate takes on this challenge with impressive composure, combining speed, strength, technique, and stamina.
While powerhouse nations often dominate the heptathlon, Kate has earned Ireland a spot on the world stage. She is not just competing; she is showing that Ireland belongs there, too.
3. Katie-George Dunlevy – power, precision, and pure determination
Ellen is raising the bar for women everywhere. She is not just competing, she is dominating.
As a Paralympic gold medallist and one of Ireland’s most respected swimmers, she performs at the highest level and carries herself with pride.
Her calm confidence keeps everyone eager to see what she will do next.
2. Katie McCabe – the leader of Irish women’s football
Katie has set a new standard for Irish football. Her intensity is infectious, and her left foot is a real asset. Her leadership feels genuine, never forced.
Whether she is challenging defenders or stepping up in crucial moments, she expects Ireland to compete, not just take part. McCabe is without a doubt one of the best Irish female football players.
1. Rhasidat Adeleke – Ireland’s global sprinting star
Rhasidat has put Ireland back in the spotlight for sprinting. She competes with the fastest women in the world and has brought Irish sprinting into new conversations.
With power, composure, and real confidence, she always looks like she belongs. In 2026, she is not just running; she is changing what people expect.
Irish women in sport are no longer seeking validation. They compete with belief, confidence, and presence. In 2026, their success is no longer a surprise to the world. They are showing exactly what they can do.
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