Blues Supporters Club Waterford FC Academy Awards 2025

The Waterford FC Academy Blues Supporters Club Awards took place at SETU Arena on Saturday, and it was a special occasion for Head of Academy Mike Geoghegan as he confirmed he is stepping away from the role after six years at the helm. Mike was particularly proud to see Seán Keane winning Under-20s Player of the Year, having brought him to the academy as a 12-year-old.

The youngest winner was Billy Carney, who earned the Under-14s Player of the Year award sponsored by Martin Colbert. An exciting prospect from New Ross, the young midfielder assisted a huge percentage of the team’s goals, was called up to the Under-15s and won international honours.

Cormac Lowry, whose tremendous year included an international debut away to Poland, was voted Under-15 Player of the Year and presented with the Eoin Burke Memorial award by Deirdre and Craig Burke. A prolific goalscorer from midfield, the Carlow native showed incredible dedication all year and finished the season as a regular starter for the Under-17s too.

Peter Byrne won the Under-17s award sponsored by Paul and Darren O’Neill. The centre midfielder made a strong impression this year and was a driving force as the team reached the final of the Mark Farren Cup. Peter was absent from the awards ceremony as he was representing Leinster in the FAI Schools Interprovincial Tournament in Abbotstown for the weekend.

The Under-20 Player of the Year award was sponsored by Paul Grant and was won by team captain Seán Keane who has been a joy to watch developing into a fantastic centre back and leader. Seán has been part of the first team squad all year and made his League of Ireland debut for the Blues away to Sligo in June.

The Under-17 Girls Player of the Year award (sponsored by Heather Kiely and Kate Toman) went to the excellent Jodie Roche. A Carrick United product, Jodie matches tremendous natural skill with full-hearted determination. Coach Brendan White pointed out that Jodie didn’t miss a single training session, meeting or match all year.

Caoimhe Carley won the award for Under-19s Player of the Year. The tenacious full back was a key figure in the team’s success in winning the Shield with a 2-0 win against Dundalk in the final. It was the first silverware in club history in women’s football and just reward for a terrific season from Caoimhe and her teammates.

The Shamie Coad Memorial Special Award for Overall Player of the Boys Academy went to Nathan Power. ‘Major’ Coad’s son Nigel presented the award to the outstanding striker who scored over forty goals for the Under-14s this season and several for the Under-15s too. A couple of Nathan’s highlights this year included a double hat-trick against Cobh Ramblers and a five-goal haul away to Athlone.

Meadhbh Doherty claimed the Overall Women’s Player of the Year sponsored by Maurice McGuire. Not only was the Kilkenny defender a stalwart of the Under-19s, but she claimed a regular starting berth for the new Waterford FC Women’s team in the latter stages of the season and has staggering potential for a stellar career.

Six players who represented Ireland at various levels this year were presented with International Recognition awards, newly-named in honour of the great clubman Billy Hearne who passed away last year. Billy’s wife, Joan, presented the awards to Temmy Gazal, Jack Barden, Billy Carney, Nathan Power and Cormac Lowry while Zak O’Sullivan’s award was collected in absentia as he is currently on loan with Fleetwood Town.

The Coach of the Year award went to Xander Coolbear of the Under-14s. This award was sponsored by Odran Fitzgerald, with Mike praising Xander’s willingness to contribute to all teams at all times. The Blues Supporters Club also made a special presentation to Mike and Seán Geoghegan as their time with the academy comes to an end. In addition to the academy prizes, the Waterford Women’s team awards were also presented, with midfielder Olivia Shannon voted Young Player of the Year and goalkeeper Maeve Williams winning the Senior Player award.