O’Connor caps season with player of year accolade

Colm O’Connor

Connacht legend Eric Elwood was also amongst those honoured when he was inducted into the IRUPA Barker Hall of Fame.

O’Connor said: “To win this award has added to a great season for me personally. For the other players to vote for me as the best player for 2005 gives me great pride and will only encourage me to go on to achieve greater things as my career develops. This is the top rugby award in Ireland and no one can take that away from me.”

The awards were held to celebrate a year of individual achievements in Irish rugby in what was another successful season.

The season saw Ireland win six out of eight Tests, including victories over South Africa and England, and after an encouraging start by the provinces, saw Connacht, Leinster and Munster falling short in Europe once more. IRUPA chief executive Niall Woods said: “What makes these awards so special is that they are voted for by the players from the four provinces. Congratulations to all those nominated, and in particular to Johnny O’Connor, Shane Jennings, Kieran Campbell, Eric Elwood and David Holwell, in winning what have become the most sought-after awards in Irish rugby.”

The awards were made in the presence of some of the game’s most well-known names, including Lions captain Brian O’Driscoll and fellow tourists Gordon D’Arcy and Malcolm O’Kelly.

BT Ireland’s Mike Maloney added: “It is a great honour for Johnny to get this award in his first full season on the Irish team. Congratulations also to the other players for their terrific achievements throughout the year.”