On the enchanting evening of Saturday, 11th November 2023, within the illustrious Dining Hall at Trinity College, a sense of anticipation and camaraderie filled the air. It was a night unlike any other—a night where the Irish coaching community converged to celebrate our shared journey. We were graced by the wisdom of Professor David Clutterbuck, who illuminated the path of coach maturity and underscored the vital role of a systemic approach, especially in the context of the ever-evolving landscape marked by the rise of AI. Amidst the grandeur of the evening, we also commemorated a significant milestone—20 years of the ICF Ireland chartered chapter. However, the true stars of the night were the winners of our prestigious 2023 awards, whose dedication and excellence continue to inspire us all.
We are therefore delighted to announce the winners of this year’s awards:
On the enchanting evening of Saturday, 11th November 2023, within the illustrious Dining Hall at Trinity College, a sense of anticipation and camaraderie filled the air. It was a night unlike any other—a night where the Irish coaching community converged to celebrate our shared journey. We were graced by the wisdom of Professor David Clutterbuck, who illuminated the path of coach maturity and underscored the vital role of a systemic approach, especially in the context of the ever-evolving landscape marked by the rise of AI. Amidst the grandeur of the evening, we also commemorated a significant milestone—20 years of the ICF Ireland chartered chapter. However, the true stars of the night were the winners of our prestigious 2023 awards, whose dedication and excellence continue to inspire us all.
We are therefore delighted to announce the winners of this year’s awards:
🏆 Coach of the Year: Kathleen Fanning
🌟 Rising Star of the Year: Caitríona Farrell
🌍 President’s Award: Place-Based Leadership Development Initiative
These exceptional coaches and initiatives truly embody the essence of coaching excellence, and their contributions to our profession and society are nothing short of remarkable.

Kathleen Fanning- Coach of the Year 2023
In a field of inspiring nominations, Kathleen Fanning stood out for her energy, passion for coaching, and, above all, her humanity. Her dedication to core competencies, values, and ethics was evident in every aspect of her practice. Kathleen’s commitment to continuous learning and development has not only benefited her clients but has also had a profound impact on the wider coaching community and society. Her ability to touch lives through her coaching is a testament to the art of coaching itself.
Caitríona Farrell- Rising Star of the Year 2023
Among several impressive Rising Star nominations, Caitríona Farrell shone brightly. Her depth in self-reflection and self-awareness, coupled with her unwavering commitment to growth and development, set her apart. Caitríona’s holistic approach to coaching and her dedication to authenticity are truly admirable. As a Rising Star, she has already begun sketching a path towards a future filled with promise and potential.


Place-Based Leadership Development Initiative – President’s Award
The Place-Based Leadership Development Initiative emerged as a stand-out candidate for the President’s Award due to its ambitious scale, replicability, and potential impact on Irish society. With coaching at its core, this initiative has embarked on a journey into complex territories, transforming the way community leaders work and collaborate. Its potential for wider transformative change is undeniable, showcasing how professional coaching can positively impact the places we live and work.
While we celebrate these exceptional award winners, we also want to acknowledge and pay tribute to all who were shortlisted and those who applied. The high standard of coaching excellence within our community is a testament to the dedication and passion of each and every one of you. The thriving Irish Coaching community we have today is a result of the collective work and commitment across our profession.
As we continue to grow and evolve as a community, let us draw inspiration from the remarkable individuals and initiatives that make our coaching landscape richer and more vibrant. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for us all.
Con, from Con Photography, who was the official photographer on the evening, has created an online gallery of the images taken on the evening. You can view and download the pictures here: https://gallery.conphotography.ie/-icfireland/gallery
Please use these photos, along with any others you might have taken, to spread the word about just how vibrant our coaching community in Ireland truly is.