O’Sullivan wins manager of the year award

GOOD times for Irish rugby, good times for Eddie O’Sullivan.

And it got even better for the Irish coach yesterday when he was named Philips Manager of the Year at a packed function in the Berkeley Court in Dublin.

Triple Crown winners, including a great victory over World Cup champions England at Twickenham - for which O’Sullivan picked up the March award - started his year on a high note, even if Ireland were beaten by France.

Defeats by South Africa in the Tests in Bloemfontein and Cape Town during the summer were disappointing. But they had sweet revenge at Lansdowne Road recently when beating the Springboks for the first time since 1965, while also recording victories over the US Eagles and Argentina.

Now O’Sullivan’s next focus is winning the Six Nations. After that he will be on Clive Woodward’s team as the Lions embark on the tour of New Zealand.

After receiving his award from Cel O’Reilly, MD Philips Ireland Ltd, and Minister for Sport John O’Donoghue, O’Sullivan, the first rugby winner since Mick Doyle back in 1985, was upbeat. “When I look at the outstanding people who have won the various monthly awards, it only proves to me how high a standard coaching has reached in this country. I am grateful for this wonderful award but, in saying that, I must thank the IRFU for the foresight they have shown in prioritising the national team. They are the pillar which this team has been built around.

“I would also like to thank a great and dedicated bunch of players for their total commitment. And also my coaching staff. I am surrounded by strong people who think hard and act hard. They are the reason for our good fortune.”

O’Sullivan also praised Philips for giving the coaches their day out.

On a final note O’Sullivan said. “Yes, next year will be a big test for us. Last season’s Triple Crown victory was tremendous, the players enjoyed the impact of it all.

“People continuously ask me will we be under pressure now because of last year’s success. Believe me, the pressure of winning beats the hell out of the pressure of losing anytime. We won’t be found wanting.”

The following were the monthly award winners:

December 2003: Alan Solomons (Ulster rugby team).

January 2004: Alan Gaffney (Munster rugby team).

February: Pat Price (Mardyke UCC Demons basketball team).

March: Eddie O’Sullivan (Irish rugby team).

April: Martin O’Neill (Glasgow Celtic).

May: Geoff Moylan (Shannon RFC).

June: Justin McCarthy (Waterford hurling team).

July: Paídí Ó Sé (Westmeath football team).

August: Pat Fenlon (Shelbourne FC).

September: Donal O’Grady (Cork hurling team) and Jack O’Connor (Kerry football team).

October: Alan Matthews (Longford FC).

November: Pat Fenlon (Shelbourne FC).