Trinity Sport scholar and Trinity Meteor player Hazel Finn was nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year at the 21st annual Irish Times and Sport Ireland Sportswoman of the Year Awards 2025, which took place on 19 December 2025. Hazel was presented in person with Sportswoman of the Month for January, in recognition of her key role coming off the bench to help Liffey Celtics win the Paudie O’Connor National Cup Title against Killester. For this, Hazel claimed the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for her inspiring performance scoring 13 points and getting 8 rebounds.
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In November 2024, Hazel made her senior international debut against Latvia in Riga, when she was Ireland’s joint top scorer with 13 points. Hazel's basketball career has been going from strength to strength. Over the summer she was part of the 3v3 U-23 Ireland team that made history by winning a Nations League event for the first time and was Ireland's top scorer in the their EuroBasket 2027 qualifying win against the much higher ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in Ireland's first competitive win in four years. In August, Hazel joined the Trinity Meteors, reinforcing the team's desire to compete once again for the league title, and also began a Masters in teaching at Trinity College Dublin where she was also awarded a prestigious Trinity Sport Scholarship award.
After the Sportswoman of the Year Awards, Hazel shared her delight: "It was a real honour to receive Sportswoman of the Month in January in recognition of coming off the bench to help seal Liffey Celtics' National Cup Final win over Killester. To be presented with the award in person today at the Irish Times and Sport Ireland ceremony in front of my parents, sister and brother was an incredibly proud and special moment and one I will always remember and cherish. This is an award that’s gone to so many people I admire, so I'm delighted and honoured to be counted among them."
Michelle Tanner, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at Trinity College Dublin, who was also present at the awards celebrated Hazel's win saying: “I'm immensely proud to see a Trinity student athlete and sport scholar recognised at this level. Hazel is a phenomenal athlete and it's wonderful to see an indoor sport athlete celebrated on the stage today. This award reflects the investment Trinity has made in the women’s basketball game and our long-standing commitment to that mission. Hazel’s having a superb debut season with the Trinity Meteors but basketball is always a team effort and I want to acknowledge the work of the entire team and staff including coach Professor Seamas Donnelly. This award is a reminder of what can be achieved when everyone pulls together, on and off the court.”
Further information
Sportswoman of the Month for January - Hazel Finn (basketball)