O’Gara wins writers’ award

RONAN O’GARA was last night named the Guinness-Rugby Writers of Ireland Player of the Year.

The Munster and Ireland out half has represented his country on 52 occasions at senior level, scoring 525 points. He also holds the individual scoring record by an Ireland player of 32 points in an international and heads the scoring honours in the European Cup.

The Tom Rooney Memorial Award was presented to Fr Michael Shiel SJ in honour of his long distinguished association with the game at schools level with Mungret, Gonzaga, Belvedere and in particular Clongowes Wood College.

All-Ireland League champions, Shannon, received the Club of the Season Award while the legendary Irish international and Lion Mike Gibson and former IRFU President Michael Carroll were inducted into the Hall of Fame.